Planning report for Mayo quay redevelopment gets the thumbs up

Councillors in Ballina have reacted positively to a plan to transform the Quay area of the town.

A Part 8 planning report came before them for approval at the April monthly meeting of Ballina Municipal District.

The proposed comprehensive redevelopment consists of the construction of boating and water-sports shed (including toilets and changing/storage areas), alterations to the interior and the exterior of the existing Kennedy Glasgow Shed, alterations to the existing commercial units, construction of canopies to external amenity areas, alterations to existing boundary walls and railings and provision of new safety railings, soft landscaping and planting areas, raised crossing areas, and adjustments to utilities and services necessary to facilitate the development.

Emmet O'Donnell, architect, told members at the meeting that following receipt of a large number of submissions, it was agreed to that a proposed extension to the southern end of the existing business units is to be omitted from the proposed development.

The next step is to secure funding for the project, Mr. O'Donnell explained.

Councillor Annie May Reape said she was 'delighted' to propose the project. From what she could see, everything was 'doable'.

“It's a lovely development and one we would have been talking about for a while,” she said, adding that she would like to even see it go further.

Mr. O'Donnell said that once this development is achieved, it will open opportunities for more projects.

In seconding the proposal, Councillor John O'Hara described Ballina Quay as a 'hidden gem' in many ways.

Director of services Catherine McConnell explained that May 1 is the closing date for the funding stream they are looking into (the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund). If that application is successful, the council will still have to make a contribution of around 25% to the project.

“This project is a long time in the offing,” Ms. McConnell said.

“The Part 8 is only the start of it. There's a lot of room for manoeuvre.

“We're very hopeful of securing funding for this.”

* Funded under the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.