Ballinasloe’s Town Centre First draft plan has been unveiled, setting out an ambitious roadmap to revitalise the town and transform it into a vibrant, safe and welcoming place to live, work and visit.
Presented by the Ballinasloe Town Team and Galway County Council to local representatives of the Ballinasloe Municipal District (MD ), the plan has been shaped by extensive consultation. More than 600 responses were gathered across two public surveys, alongside workshops with schools, community groups and elected members. Findings highlighted strong calls to tackle vacancy and dereliction, improve safety, create inclusive spaces for young people, and enhance the town’s public realm.
The draft plan outlines seven flagship projects: redevelopment of the Fair Green into a multi-use civic space, improved access to the River Suck as a natural amenity, a redesign of the historic Market Square, “Ballinasloe Stories” to showcase local heritage and culture, reactivation of vacant buildings, a “Healthy Streets” initiative to promote walking and cycling, and the development of town centre neighbourhoods with housing and community facilities.
Key strengths identified include Ballinasloe’s regional location, distinctive architecture and community spirit, while challenges such as vacant premises, town sprawl and flood risks will be directly addressed. Ongoing projects like the Flood Relief Scheme, Pollboy Eco Park and heritage trails are also being aligned with the plan.
Public feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with 91 per cent of respondents supporting the plan and 82 per cent agreeing with its vision. Residents prioritised the Square, the Fair Green and the River Suck as the top projects. Comments also urged a focus on safety, family-friendly amenities, and creative use of derelict spaces.
Next steps include feedback from Galway County Council, environmental screening, and finalisation of the plan and action programme later this year.
