The Ballina Local Area plan must take into account the reality that the town, county and country is grappling with a housing crisis.

With strong active travel ambitions outlined and ambitions to connect all suburbs, neighbourhoods and peripheral schools, all lands that are within 10 minute cycle route of the town centre should have the flexibility of housing zoning.

Some lands that are zoned for housing may not be developed due to the owners intentions or ability to develop the lands, in turn limiting the potential for the town to meet its housing targets. We must empower those who have made submissions to favourably zone their land so we can begin to unlock the housing crisis, especially that sustainable and active travel infrastructure will be rolled out in all of these neighbourhoods.

Opportunity Site 2:

The Ballina Mineral Water site in the town centre has the potential to be a transformational site for Ballina.

Possible opportunities include high quality residential living, possible hotel space, commercial space and parking. Pedestrian accessibility from Market Road to Pearse street as well as the protection and return to use of the old mineral water well for public use should be included in future uses.

The site's future use should also protect green space along Humbert Street to create a linear park adding green space in the town centre which is badly lacking. While protecting green space, the site can also be ambitious with its height, allowing from improved volumes of residents as well as public roof top viewing spaces which would complement a development like this.

Opportunity Site 3:

Emmet Street has great development potential and beautiful statement buildings that contribute to the waterfront and use of the area should be encouraged. There is opportunity for high quality residential and hotel space along this stretch as well some commercial developments which we should support in a joined-up approach. We must also improve the civic space and connectivity around the bridges, making it safer for pedestrians in that area.

The Moy Quater must give high priority to protecting and conserving the historic Augustinian Abbey as well as Palmyra Hill, two incredibly significant sites that need protecting from development and disturbances.

Opportunity site 4: Becketts House would be a very suitable home for artists in residence spaces, linked to the Ballina Arts Centre. It could be a temporary home for artist including musicians because of its standalone presence on a scenic location.

Opportunity site 6:

This site presents another opportunity to create high quality residential and commercial development along the banks of the Moy with its close proximities to sporting & recreational facilities. Active travel connections on the site may be better served by a bridge further downstream closer to Ballina Town F.C's grounds.

Opportunity site 7: The old Bunree Mill site similar to above has the potential to be a high quality development of residential, hotel space, public amenities space. With its history of providing hydroelectric generation to the town, there is an opportunity that a future use would include that purpose. Locals enjoy the pedestrian connections through the area and this should be incorporated into future developments.

The Quay Quater:

The quay site has significant development potential. The interventions here should be practical and complimentary to existing businesses and activities that are currently enjoyed in the area. There is great opportunity to improve the water sports facilities, parking facilities and general amenity space to make it a destination for people to visit. Possible residential/ commercial developments could enhance the area further.

Additional Opportunity Site: The Historic Convent of Mercy, McDermott Street, Ballina should be identified as the top priority project for regeneration as a key town centre heritage building that can be returned for use as a building for the community with possible uses including: Community rooms, town hall space, recording studios, music rooms, art rooms, not for profit/ social enterprise office space, youth groups, elderly living, revival of chapel as use for both event, performance and religious ceremonies, a museum space which would tell the story of the sisters work in the town.

Sporting/ amenity infrastructure:

The town would greatly benefit from an indoor dome similar to the centre of excellence which would allow all teams in the North Mayo/ West Sligo area to enjoy for mainstream field sports such as GAA, soccer and Ruby.

All weather playing facilities like astroturf pitches that can accommodate full size games are desperately needed, along with improved facilities for Ballina Tennis Club & Squash Clubs.

The development of a skatepark which would have roofed space over head would also be widely welcomed by those who enjoy the sport.

Due to the town’s high precipitation levels, considerations & flexibility should be afforded for roofed street concepts to improve the town centre shopping experience.

Draft Ballina Local Area Plan 2024-2030 - Aighneachtaí

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