Ballaghaderreen community sets course for its future

A packed community workshop in Ballaghaderreen has kick-started the development of a community-led strategy for the town, drawing an excellent turnout of over 70 participants and generating 198 ideas through a collaborative brainstorming session.

The event featured a presentation of urban design analysis by Studio Myco, providing a clear picture of the town’s current opportunities and constraints, followed by a practical overview from Una Ní Chuinn on how funding works, what is already underway, and what can happen next.

Building on these inputs, participants worked together to focus in on the seven priority areas identified in the brainstorming exercise, for deeper development.

“This is a great start to a community deciding its own future,” said Dr. Niamh McGarry, chair of Ballaghaderreen Town Team and director of NMCG Consulting, who ran the workshop pro-bono. “We’ve a lot more work to do, but this was exactly the start we needed. The energy in the room and the volume of ideas show how much people care about Ballaghaderreen.”

“The Studio Myco analysis and Una Ní Chuinn’s funding overview gave everyone a solid foundation and understanding,” added Deirdre McDermott, PRO, Ballaghaderreen Town Team. “It will be a massive step in the right direction to have a strategy for Ballaghaderreen - by the community of Ballaghaderreen.”

ADD YOUR VOICE

If you weren’t at the workshop, or if you were but didn’t say everything you wanted, there will be plenty more opportunities to contribute.

Organisers will synthesise the inputs and workshop outcomes into a draft community-led strategy for Ballaghaderreen. Further community events and feedback opportunities will follow in the coming weeks. Keep an eye on their facebook page for updates - Ballaghaderreen TownTeam.

This community-led process aims to create a practical, shared strategy for Ballaghaderreen, informed by residents, local stakeholders, and independent expertise in urban design and funding pathways.