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'People in Ballymun are wary of plans because of the failed regeneration so we'll see if we can win them over'

New plans envisage the current square next to Ballymun Main Street being transformed into a new plaza divided into two sections.

THE CENTRE OF Ballymun could be transformed into a “focal point” for the area under new plans published by Dublin City Council. 

The Council is seeking submissions from the public on a redesigned town centre which will include green space, benches and an improved public realm if given the green light. 

The plans envisage the current square next to Ballymun Main Street being transformed into a new plaza divided into two sections – the lower section comprising an amphitheatre facing towards the Axis Arts Centre while the upper section would include enclosed green space with a potential for market stalls. 

The current square was built in the early 2000s and is mostly concrete. A recent Council report noted that its layout “does not allow for the plaza to act as a focal point for the area and does not create a distinct sense of place within Ballymun.”

Local councillors have previously said that Ballymun in its current form is transient and needs a outdoor focal point for the community after years of stalled regeneration. 

“It needs to be used more than it is, it’s our main civic space but it’s just not getting used properly,” Independent councillor Noeleen Reilly told The Journal.

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The regeneration of Ballymun was first announced in 1997, and was divided into two phases – a re-housing programme and an urban regeneration programme lead by the Council-owned Ballymun Regeneration Ltd (BRL) and local community groups. 

The demolition of the Ballymun flats, built in the 1960s, began in 2004 and kick-started plans for the area’s transformation.

The regeneration was never completed, however, due to a lack of investment followed by the recession and in 2013 BRL was wound down. 

Community facilities planned for the area including a new shopping centre, a bowling alley and a cinema were never built. 

Local residents have voiced concern in recent years that there is very little to keep people in the town and that people living in Ballymun are forced to travel elsewhere for shopping and entertainment, Fianna Fáil TD Paul McAuliffe told The Journal.

In 2017, the Ballymun Local Area Plan was drawn up. It says there is a need for public realm improvements and a focal point for visitors and businesses. 

Plans for a revamped town square were first mooted by the Council 15 years ago but were delayed due to works associated with the former Metro North project, said McAuliffe. 

In the intervening years, the Axis Arts Centre has become an important community hub, however, he said.

“The new plans effectively make the entry to the Axis a principle feature and I think that’s important, it’s become a huge institution,” said McAuliffe. 

However, he said that it could take some persuasion to get people in the area on board. 

“People in Ballymun are very wary of plans and drawings because of the failed regeneration so we’ll have to see if we can win them over,” said McAuliffe. 

Under Council plans for the revamped plaza, a series of new public spaces would be created. These would be bordered by planted areas and trees with new public lighting installed throughout. 

Independent councillor Reilly said she believes people in Ballymun will welcome the new space. 

“People are glad that something is happening to it, it is a space for people to use and a community area,” she said, adding that the new plans are one of a number of ongoing projects in Ballymun. 

Separately, demolition of the Ballymun Shopping Centre across the road from the plaza is almost complete. The redevelopment of the mall, known as Town Centre, was central to the original regeneration plans but the site became part of NAMA’s portfolio after the economic crash. 

The Council subsequently bought the site and aims to have a plan for its redevelopment ready by the end of the year, the Council’s Chief Executive Brendan Kenny confirmed. 

Robert Murphy, who owns Supervalu in Ballymun, has welcomed plans for a revamped plaza. 

“It’s great to see investment going into it. We’ve learned a lot over the last 15 months about the importance of outdoor spaces. Although this is an urban setting it’s still very welcome,”said Murphy. 

The Council is seeking feedback on the proposed plans until 20 August. 

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    Mute Logan Shepherd
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    Jun 16th 2020, 3:45 PM

    Good news, shows a level of confidence in where we are. It won’t be popular with the 2nd wave brigade, or the doom and gloom brigade.

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    Mute Seamus Bridgeman
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    Jun 16th 2020, 3:51 PM

    @Logan Shepherd: They said in May the schools could open one or two days a week before the term finished . He also said we could see an all Ireland final in Autumn. I wont hold my breath for gatherings of 5000 when they can safely reopen screening for cancer

    69
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    Mute Rochelle
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    Jun 16th 2020, 4:20 PM

    @Logan Shepherd: Give it a rest, over 440k people have died to this virus worldwide and there’s currently a resurgence of cases in many countries like USA, China and Germany. Being concerned for your own safety or the welfare of others isn’t reveling in doom and gloom.
    This comment won’t be popular with the ‘head in the sand’ brigade.

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    Mute Logan Shepherd
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    Jun 16th 2020, 4:37 PM

    @Rochelle: Give it a rest!! Our numbers are low, which is why talks like this can take place. In case you don’t realise phase 4 ends on the 10th Aug. What then, should we all just continue as we are now? Of course there will be rises in cases as things open up. We are not the USA, China, or Germany. We have low numbers and personal responsibility will keep it that way. I choose to be optimistic.

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    Mute Yurt
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    Jun 16th 2020, 4:49 PM

    @Seamus Bridgeman: we were also told the LC would go ahead in June then august. Let’s say I’ll believe it when it happens.

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    Mute Larkin About
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    Jun 16th 2020, 3:44 PM

    Opening everything up early to boost the feelgood factor. Great distraction from the fact that he lost the election but has conspired to stay in power anyway.

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    Mute David Clements
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    Jun 16th 2020, 4:05 PM

    @Larkin About: are you claiming the voting or counting was rigged?

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    Mute Larkin About
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    Jun 16th 2020, 4:10 PM

    @David Clements: No. I’m sure the voting and counting was beyond reproach. Hence why he lost.

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    Mute Gavin Conran
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    Jun 16th 2020, 4:24 PM

    @Larkin About: So who won?

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    Mute David Clements
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    Jun 16th 2020, 4:27 PM

    @Larkin About: brain dead stuff. Do they not teach you about prstv anymore?

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    Mute Charles Coughlan
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    Jun 16th 2020, 5:43 PM

    @David Clements: I don’t know about voting being rigged but Leo wasn’t elected on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th count in the recent General election held around 140 days ago and neither were most of his FFG colleagues unlike those the many in Sinn Féin who are being ignored by him.

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    Mute john s
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    Jun 16th 2020, 7:16 PM

    @Larkin About: ahh that’s right democracy was carried out and Sinn Fein don’t like the result. Bla bla bla. How about you going and get people to support u in government that’s right nobody wanted to talk to you

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    Mute Lily Martin
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    Jun 16th 2020, 3:48 PM

    After so long in lock down I feel a flutter of panic at the thought of a crowd of 5,000 people.

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    Mute Neil Melly
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    Jun 16th 2020, 4:09 PM

    @Lily Martin: u can stay in lockdown for entirety Lily.

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    Mute Lily Martin
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    Jun 16th 2020, 6:07 PM

    @Neil Melly: No thanks!

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    Mute Anthony Whelan
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    Jun 16th 2020, 5:18 PM

    Thought gatherings of 5k were already permitted or is it solely BLM only gatherings that are exempt

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    Mute Cliff Burnby
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    Jun 16th 2020, 8:44 PM

    @Anthony Whelan: It’s a very virtuous virus, it won’t attack them.

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    Mute Niamh Hayes
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    Jun 16th 2020, 5:30 PM

    Any chance the teachers will go back to work in September then?

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    Mute Ian James Burgess
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    Jun 16th 2020, 4:35 PM

    Pity he wasn’t up to speed as it has been said that cinemas could open in July. Should spend less time with the bag of cans in the Park

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    Mute Frank Discussion
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    Jun 16th 2020, 4:11 PM

    I can’t see many people taking a punt organising a festival in advance

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    Mute Seriousnojoke
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    Jun 16th 2020, 4:16 PM

    Any updates on the vaccine???

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    Mute Eileen O'Sullivan
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    Jun 16th 2020, 3:57 PM

    they ll have a scaled down electric picnic for young people.

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    Mute Tony Humphreys
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    Jun 16th 2020, 4:53 PM

    @Eileen O’Sullivan: a battery picnic!

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    Mute Mikey B Maguire
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    Jun 16th 2020, 5:53 PM

    How exactly will the Arts Council dole out this 100million euro?

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    Mute Mary N Murphy
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    Jun 18th 2020, 7:07 PM

    how about gathering of 300 or less outdoor event partial fundraiser would that be allowed on august bank holiday event it would be member of a social group only with contact tracing and social distancing in place does anyone know, i would expect that gatherings of less that 5000 people outdoor by sept 2020 would be considered a very large gathering, we just want gathering of 300 or less thanks if anyone can enlighten me regards mary

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    Mute Mary N Murphy
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    Jun 18th 2020, 7:01 PM

    how bout prior to sept 2020 gathering numbers allowed, i mean outdoor event of less that 300 people anyone have any idea it would also be a partial fundraiser

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    Mute Joe Toner
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    Jun 16th 2020, 6:46 PM

    5000 will just about fit in Kildare Street taking social distancing into consideration.

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