Redeveloped Village Green in Malahide creates enhanced open space for all to enjoy

The redevelopment of the space sees a new green public area which will re-invigorate and enhance the open space as an area to visit and enjoy for all.

These works have been carried out over the year and were completed on time.  These works see a major aim of Fingal County Council’s Public Realm Strategy for Malahide 2014 accomplished even with the difficulties that have been brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The project was led by the Council’s Parks and Green Infrastructure Division to re-invigorate and improve the quality of the Village Green and to enhance the open space as an area to visit and enjoy for the residents of Malahide and tourists. The approved plan for the Village Green resulted from an extensive public consultation process and was designed by Murray and Associates Landscape Architecture.

The Village Green involved a series of public realm improvements, including the installation of new paving, street furniture, re-contouring the open space as well as planting. It has the potential to become a hub of economic activity and a social gathering place for travellers using the planned greenway network.  The Town Plaza, one part of the new Village Green, is a paved open space and will be used for various cultural and commercial opportunities.

The Mayor of Fingal Cllr. David Healy spoke on the completion of the project: “The Village Green project was part of a larger overall Public Realm Strategy for Malahide which sought to improve the public space that is available to the community of the town. To see the Green fully completed and open is a wonderful example of the continued hard work of everyone involved during such difficult times. The restrictions have delayed this project but the commitment to provide an improved amenity for Malahide did not change and this green space will provide a needed break into nature in the middle of the town for the residents.”

AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council spoke about the benefits of the investment to the town and the opportunities that it will provide: “Fingal County Council’s significant investment in this project will greatly enhance the core village area, providing a new and improved space for both residents and visitors to relax and enjoy. The works will strengthen the link between The Green and Malahide village while creating a strong focal point and identity within the village and will also enhance the coastal views that can be enjoyed from the open space.”

The scheme forms part of the Public Realm Strategy for Malahide undertaken by Fingal County Council in 2014. The Town Plaza to the Green has been enlarged, providing a new urban plaza at the transition space between the village and the Green.

Director of Planning and Strategic Infrastructure Matthew McAleese said: “The completion of this project with its improved layout and facilities will add to this popular amenity in the town for everyone to enjoy. This is a wonderful new piece of public realm infrastructure that sees part of the Public Realm Scheme Strategy for Malahide completed.”

Kevin Halpenny, Senior Parks Superintendent for Fingal County Council, said: “The Green is a significant and historically important open space in the centre of Malahide and the redevelopment has transformed it into a multifunctional civic space. Throughout the process, there was a very strong emphasis on quality of design and quality of finish and this is reflected in the completed park.”