Great engagement at Consultation Workshop on Bremore Regional Park Masterplan

There was great engagement and lively debate at the consultation workshop on Bremore Regional Park, held in the Bracken Court Hotel on Tuesday evening.  The enthusiastic crowd of almost 70 people in attendance included local Councillors Cllr. Grainne Maguire, Cllr. Tony Murphy and Cllr. Joe O’Brien as well as members of many local community and sports clubs.  The event, organised by Fingal County Council’s Parks and Green Infrastructure Division, assisted by the Our Balbriggan Team, was used to introduce the project to the local community and park users. 

The workshop style format of the evening worked well to gather ideas, concerns, local knowledge and priorities for the future development of the masterplan to create a park that will be treasured by the community.  A follow up workshop is planned for the autumn to present draft proposals for review and feedback before progress through to the formal planning stage.

Commenting Acting Director of Planning Matthew McAleese said: “I was very pleased to see the great attendance at the workshop and the variety of suggestions from the participants.  The priorities expressed were to develop the park as an accessible and inclusive space for everyone, maximising the sport and recreation potential while preserving the unique natural and historic aspects of this coastal site. Public engagement is key to this project and these priorities will inform the next stage of the process. ”

Kevin Halpenny, Senior Parks Superintendent said: “The involvement of the local Community in the planning and design of Bremore Regional Park will greatly enhance its relevance to their everyday lives and help the Council deliver a major new amenity for Balbriggan.”

Speaking about the Masterplan Interim Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly said: “Bremore Castle and Regional Park form a vital element of the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Plan and I am delighted to see the positive engagement from the Community at the consultation workshop. Fingal County Council is committed to harnessing the potential of this unique site to develop a premier regional park both as a tourist destination and a vibrant recreation area for the people of Balbriggan.”

Located north of Balbriggan along the coast, the Park is comprised of 41 hectares and includes important historic sites (most notably Bremore Castle) and landscapes, while providing significant public amenities.  A key feature of the Park masterplan will be the consideration of the Visual, Historic and Ecological attributes of the site. The Park Development Plan will include proposals formulated to achieve the best fit between the unique characteristics of the site and provision of active recreation and strong linkages to Bremore Castle and surrounding residential areas.

ENDS