€100,000 funding for new teen zone in east Mayo town

Minister of State Alan Dillon TD has welcomed an allocation of €100,000 for the development of a new Teen Zone at the Friary Grounds, Ballyhaunis. This is a project designed to give young people a safe, attractive and engaging place to spend time outdoors.

The Teen Zone will provide a dedicated area for teenagers to congregate and shelter, with space to play music, enjoy table tennis, and relax on durable, all weather surfacing supported by passive, low energy lighting.

Dormant Accounts Funding and National Development Plan funding has been allocated for the project following the successful 2025 pilot, Making Places for and with Teenagers. The design includes comfortable seating, sheltered structures for year round use, and an accessible layout to ensure all young people can enjoy the space.

Minister Dillon said: “The new area will be located beside the historic Friary and long used as a community green space, and the Friary Grounds are a central and well-loved part of Ballyhaunis. The new Teen Zone will enhance this setting by offering a modern, thoughtfully designed area where young people can meet friends, socialise, and engage in unstructured play and recreation.”

Minister Dillon also said the project will make a meaningful difference for local families and young people: “This investment ensures that teenagers in Ballyhaunis have a safe, welcoming and purpose-built space to call their own. I want to acknowledge the work of Councillor Alma Gallagher who worked with Mayo County Council to bring this project to fruition also. The Friary Grounds Teen Zone will support positive social interaction, outdoor activity and community connection, all in a location that is already at the heart of local life.”