Picture/ Fintan Clarke Coalesce.: Chair Our Balbriggan Leadership Group, Dr David Begg, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tony Murphy; Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne and AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive, Fingal County Council at the opening of Harbour Square, the landmark €15 million redevelopment of Balbriggan’s historic Quay Street and Harbour area.
A major €15 million redevelopment of Balbriggan’s harbour and Quay Street area has officially opened, creating a new civic plaza, park and waterfront space in the centre of the town.
Harbour Square was officially opened by Mayor of Fingal Cllr Tony Murphy and Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne.
Covering around 19,300 square metres, the project includes a multi-purpose civic plaza, linear park, landscaped areas, new seating and improved links between Balbriggan town centre, harbour and coastline.
It is the largest capital project within the wider Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme, which is expected to involve investment of between €50 million and €55 million up to 2030.
New public space at the waterfront
The redevelopment covers Quay Street, Mill Street and Harbour Road and has been designed to create a more connected public space around the harbour.
Works include landscaping, new paving and surfacing, improved accessibility, more seating and green space, along with enhancements to the River Bracken.
The development also includes public toilets and Changing Places facilities.
The former RNLI boathouse has been restored, while new commercial units, including kiosk-style premises, have been incorporated into the scheme.
The public space is intended to accommodate markets, festivals, cultural events and other year-round activity.
‘A momentous occasion for Balbriggan’
Mayor of Fingal Cllr Tony Murphy said the development represented a significant investment in the town.
“This is a momentous occasion for Balbriggan. Harbour Square represents one of the most significant public investments ever made in the town and creates a vibrant new destination at the heart of our waterfront. It will bring people together, support local enterprise and showcase the very best of Balbriggan. Harbour Square will become the heartbeat of our town.”
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne said the project showed the role regeneration funding could play in town centres.
“I am delighted to officially open the Harbour Square redevelopment project, which represents a significant investment in the future of Balbriggan and its waterfront through the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund,” he said.
“The Harbour Square redevelopment is a flagship example of urban regeneration in action. This transformative project has revitalised a key part of the town centre, creating attractive public spaces, enhancing accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists, improving environmental resilience along the River Bracken, and celebrating Balbriggan’s rich maritime heritage.”
Part of wider Balbriggan regeneration
Plans for the harbour area emerged from the wider Our Balbriggan programme, which followed a large community consultation in 2019.
Fingal County Council says more than a quarter of Balbriggan residents took part in that consultation, with strong support for improvements to the harbour and Quay Street area.
Other projects under the regeneration programme are progressing around Bridge Street, Dublin Street and the Bathhouse and Boathouse at the Martello Tower.
Dr David Begg, chair of the Our Balbriggan Leadership Group, said investment in infrastructure was helping to build confidence in the town.
“We are seeing improved infrastructure, new businesses opening, and a stronger sense of identity. Renewed confidence has encouraged investors, because they can see a long term vision aligning.”
Fingal County Council Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly said:
“Harbour Square is a landmark investment by Fingal County Council, Government and the people of Balbriggan. It will transform the waterfront, attract new opportunities, boost tourism and help shape a strong future for the town.”
Children’s play facilities still to come
Construction on Harbour Square began in May 2024 and was carried out by John Craddock Ltd.
Further children’s play facilities are due to be installed in the coming months.
For people travelling from Drogheda and East Meath, the completed waterfront adds another public space and visitor destination within easy reach along the north Dublin coast.
Drone footage of Harbour Square –
https://vimeo.com/1226958698/74a436926b
