Balbriggan is Ireland’s first URBACT Lead Partner. Their project EcoCore included partners from Croatia, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, and Spain and focused on green growth and transition in the industrial areas of partner cities. The project helped build the capacity of small cities to address climate change by promoting a green economy agenda and assisting local stakeholders, particularly businesses, in their transition to low-carbon energy sources for transportation, heating and electricity.
In Balbriggan, the IAP, focusing on some 250 acres of land, was developed in a highly participatory way with local stakeholders at the core, and with the application of transnational learning and good practice. Led by the Fingal Economic Development Team, the project focused on the sustainable development of industrial lands at the Stephenstown Industrial Estate in Balbriggan. The ambition is to use the IAP to move towards the transformation of these lands into a centre for green industry and the circular economy in consultation with business to identify and address challenges around sustainable and circular business practices.
Balbriggan is the youngest, fastest growing and one of the most culturally diverse towns in Ireland. The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Tom O’Leary, while attending the Launch noted the exciting potential of the town- “Balbriggan is a dynamic town bursting with energy, creativity, and potential. With over 8,000 pupils in local schools - many winning top honours at the national Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition - we have a strong talent pool to attract employers and foreign investment".
The Chief Executive of Fingal AnnMarie Farrelly further noted the IAP ensures that “Balbriggan continues to grow as a vibrant, sustainable and economically resilient community. This plan reflects the ambition of our residents, our businesses and our partners, and we are proud to support its delivery”
Congratulations to the Balbriggan team for their excellent network leadership throughout the project and the highly impressive outputs!
You can read the Balbriggan IAP here.
You can also access the network’s final product and listen to the EcoCore series of five podcasts here.