Creation of a Ring Road, Removal of existing one way system, Development of idle/derelict sites and Laneways, Tourism, Youth, Housing and Environment
Ring Road, Upgrade of footpaths and cycle ways, removal of one way system, Pedestrianisation of streets
We would like to see the creation of a Ring Road around Ballina from Sligo Road to Killala Road with access points to Ardnaree, the town centre, Foxford Road and the Crossmolina Road. This would help to decrease the significant tail back of traffic in the town, especially around peak times. It would allow for alternative routes home for commuters travelling from Sligo, Castlebar, Swinford etc. If an accident happens on the Brusna Bridge road users travelling from the Sligo Road motorists have to drive on a very sub standard road through Behy, around by Shanaghy and down through Ardnaree to get to the town centre. This is not an ideal road for heavy vehicles never mind any other type of vehicle.
Having a Ring Road would increase the value of land for landowners and increase the potential for developers to develop housing or other developments such as Industrial areas around the town, which in turn could increase employment.
The other advantages of a Ring Road would be a decrease of motorised vehicles through the town which would help to promote safer walk ways and cycle paths and ultimately reduce harmful emmissions for the whole area.
Safer foot paths and cycle ways would encourage more people to walk/cycle and ultimately reduce carbon emmissions.
On that note, the one way system should be removed. It is only a matter of time before an accident happens on the East Bank road of the river.
Pedestrianisation of some key streets in the town would help to support the struggling hospitality industry.
Urban Renewal/Regeneration to support Housing, much needed amenities
Housing for the elderly and single people and Hostel accommodation in the town centre. There are a number of derelict/idle buildings that should be considered for an urban renewal/regeneration project in the town and that could be used for this purpose. The elderly would have quick access to all the amenities of the town while having more people, in general, living in and staying in the town would bring back the hustle and bustle spirit that the town centre had when there were people living and visiting it. The former Walsh Street Garda Station would be an ideal venue for either of these. The development of the laneways could also feed into this proposal.
There are so many privately owned properties and pockets of land in and around the town that have been let go to rack and ruin. Private owners should be advised/warned to keep their properties to an acceptable level of cleanliness/tidiness to avoid overgrowth, dilapidation and unsightly sites. There are some beautifully maintained streets and houses around the town whose efforts are diminished due to vacant and overgrown houses and sites within their locality. Streets such as St Enda's Villa's, Bohernasup, Foxford Rd, Killala Road, Shanaghy etc
Developments
Renewed focus and priority t=should be given to the development if the Innovation Quarter in the Military Barracks and prioritisation of same is required. This will bring trade employment and an exciting new hub to the town centre.
Development of the Ballina Mineral Water Company site could be used as an indoor event space such as for food markets etc.
Tourism
Ballina would greatly benefit from a designated and active Tourism Development Officer and Community Event Coordinator who could promote what the town and North Mayo has to offer and engage the youth and general public to participate and run events in the town. You have to nearly be in Ballina before you see a sign for it. From the minute you leave Dublin Airport you see signs for Westport and for the past two years “Destination Westport” was ringing in our ears. A Tourism Development Officer could promote the most picturesque town and hinterland in the County.
We would love to see the Council take an active interest in the town by getting out and about and meeting the locals, the youth and active organisations and working collaboratively with all interested parties in building a vibrant, inclusive and exciting community environment. This would help to build sustainable relationships and give the people faith that their Council care about the Community that it governs.
Youth Programmes/Amenities
The Youth of our town need to be engaged and have a sense of belonging. A skating park could be established in a section of the Tom Ruane Park or up near the Canal Side. An Event Coordinator could work with local schools or the few youth clubs that exist to establish youth specific events IE Street Art competitions for budding artists, Food Fleadhs for our teenage Master Chefs, Busking events for our budding musicians etc. This could encourage collaboration with other towns in the County. Provide support for street art and colour pallets to brighten the town.
Additional Parks/Outdoor Fitness areas
There are a number of estates on the Killala Road and Shanaghy are that do not have access to recreation areas. These area would benefit from parks or play centres that are large enough to cater for the respective catchment areas.
Outdoor gyms or designated areas for outdoor fitness programmes such as Yoga, Circuit Training etc should be considered as part of these plans. There are a number of areas across Ireland who have park grade gym machines such as exercise bikes, cross country skiiers, pull up and press up benches to accommodate boot camp clubs and Fitness Clubs.
Environment/Cleanliness
The Council should establish an education programme on biodiversity and hedge cutting for general public and private land owners. This would help us to tackle current environmental issues as a Community.
Dog litter dispensers should be installed in and around the town to reduce dog waste on streets and in trees and bushes. We would also love to see more recycling facilities throughtout the town. Perhaps a joint initiative could be established with some of the existing companies such as Supervalu, Dunnes, Tescos to reduce alluminium cans.
Ballina is by far the most picturesque town in the County and has so much potential. We would love to see all the amenities needed to actually make this town a great place to live, work, explore and enjoy.