Ireland's youngest large town celebrates €15m revamp

One of the biggest urban regeneration projects in the country has officially opened today in north county Dublin.

Locals say the €15m revamp of Balbriggan's Quay Street and harbour area has already improved business in what is Ireland's youngest large town and one of the most diverse places in the country.

Once a fishing and textile town, the now commuter area of north county Dublin has a third of its population under the age of 17, the average resident is 30 years of age, and more than a quarter of residents were born outside of Ireland.

Hotel and pub owner Andy O’Neill, CEO of the Choice Hotel Group, has invested €2m in the area since 2023 - off the back of the wider regeneration project - with a new cocktail bar among his most recent enterprises.

"Five years ago there were only really two or three pubs, one restaurant, and not a lot of choice. There are five or six great pubs now and live music every night and there are now a number of good restaurants. That is unique for a town of its size," said Mr O'Neill.

Extending across 19,300 square metres, Harbour Square has a civic plaza, linear park, community spaces designed to host markets and cultural events along with new toilet and changing facilities. A 400-seater concert hall, The Lark, was also opened in the area in recent years.

The regeneration of Quay Street and the harbour area, which took just over two years to construct, is one of the biggest projects funded by the Government’s Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund, with additional financial support from Fingal County Council.

The local authority said its part of the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme 2019-2030 will see more than €50m invested in the town.

Fingal CEO AnnMarie Farrelly said it is one of the most ambitious urban regeneration initiatives currently under way in Ireland.

"Harbour Square is a landmark investment by Fingal County Council, Government and the people of Balbriggan. It will transform the waterfront, attract new opportunities, boost tourism and help shape a strong future for the town."

Local Independent councillor and the current Mayor of Fingal, Tony Murphy, said the harbour square will be the heartbeat of Balbriggan.

"It creates a vibrant new destination at the heart of our waterfront. It will bring people together, support local enterprise and showcase the very best of Balbriggan," Mr Murphy said.

Dr David Begg, chair of the Our Balbriggan Leadership Group, said the development would attract visitors, businesses and jobs.

"We are seeing improved infrastructure, new businesses opening, and a stronger sense of identity. Renewed confidence has encouraged investors," said Mr Begg.

Minister for Local Government James Browne said the project is a flagship example of urban regeneration in action.

"This transformative project has revitalised a key part of the town centre, creating attractive public spaces, enhancing accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists, improving environmental resilience along the River Bracken, and celebrating Balbriggan's rich maritime heritage," said Mr Browne.