Balbriggan Ar Aghaidh

(Community Facilities Group)

Balbriggan Ar Aghaidh was established in 2005 to meet the need of local residents for community facilities in the ever growing Balbriggan area. According to the 2006 census there are now 16,000+ residents living in Balbriggan. A mapping exercise was conducted which gave a concise overview of all existing community facilities and their current usage/availability. As a result of this exercise, it became even more apparent that a purpose built community facility was needed for the area. In keeping with good practice, a research company Unique Perspectives, was contracted to complete a research report focused on:

• Auditing existing services.
• Identifying services not currently operating in Balbriggan which may benefit the community should facilities be available.
• Identifying the priority needs of individual residents and of local groups.
• Develop a Community & Recreation Facilities Strategy for Balbriggan (this report can be accessed by contacting Co-operation Fingal on 8020484).

To date Balbriggan ar Aghaidh have been working with Fingal County Council to ensure that current development plans for existing facilities and schools are fully integrated in the community and used to full capacity. In addition, the group are also attempting to secure a green field site for development of a purpose built facility in Balbriggan.

Current development plans are available for a new school hall in Balbriggan Community College . This facility will be available to the community after school hours in what is known as an Integrated Schools/Community Project and if your group is interested in accessing this facility, contact Fingal County Council Community Department on 01 8905000 for further information.

For further information or to get involved with Balbriggan Ar Aghaidh contact Noreen at Co-operation Fingal on 01 802 0413, or by email at ncolgan@co-operationfingal.ie