Potential salmon museum for Ballina floated at council meeting

The idea of developing a Salmon Museum along the River Moy has resurfaced at a recent meeting of Ballina Municipal District.

Cllr Michael Loftus raised the subject while seeking an update on the future of a section of land located beside Ballina Arts Centre. He asked whether there were plans to develop the area which had previously been earmarked for outdoor recreation and entertainment purposes.

Head of the municipal district Anna Connor responded that the adjoining residential property would need to be considered, but said there is an opportunity to look into developing the area. Cllr Loftus noted that the scenic location along the River Moy could benefit the community and explained that one of the original ideas for the area was to develop a salmon museum there, but said unfortunately plans never materialised.

Plans for a ‘Salmon Life Centre’ in Ballina date back to 2008 when the then North Western Regional Fisheries Board commissioned a feasibility study for a salmon museum, an education centre, a riverside cafe, a retail outlet, and a dedicated ‘Salmon Quarter’ along the River Moy. More recently, proposals for a Salmon Museum were also referenced in the pre-draft paper for the Ballina Town and Environs Plan 2021-2027.

Cllr Loftus’ comments came after members approved extending the Ballina Arts Centre lease agreement to 2040 to allow the centre to access capital grants to help upgrade and develop the building. 

“I don't think it should be forgotten, especially when we are [extending] the lease for the Arts Centre,” he said.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme