Ballymahon was project partners on the network U.R. Impact. This project led by Italy, also included partners from Albania, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Portugal, Romania (2), Slovenia, & Spain. The project focused on devising effective strategies to empower local communities during regeneration projects, prioritising social impact and community-based practices, and placing citizens’ wider well-being at the centre of this, leading to a greater sense of belonging and civic participation.
The IAP for Ballymahon, a place with significant physical regeneration projects underway, sets out a roadmap to strengthen social infrastructure, tackle isolation and improve connections throughout the town.
Through the hard work of residents, town stakeholders and council staff working in a participatory way through the URBACT Local Group (ULG), a vision was identified, namely, to create an environment where all sectors of the community feel part of the town and to support sustainable, community-led development with robust governance.
Central to the plan are improved connections; a community-aligned governance structure to support delivery and management; spaces for older people to socialise and meaningfully contribute; to create a town where young people are supported with high-quality services and welcoming spaces.
Primary actions include establishing a Men's Shed and bringing Foróige Youth Services to Ballymahon. Concrete actions are already underway. These include representatives of Men’s Sheds in nearby Granard, Killoe and Edgeworthstown coming to Ballymahon on the day of the launch to share their experiences of setting up a Shed with local men in Ballymahon, as well as students from Mercy Secondary School and Ballymahon Vocational School meeting with Foróige Youth Services to explore opportunities for youth services in the town
The work of Longford County Council and the local community in developing the IAP was noted by Cathaoirleach (Chairperson) Cllr Garry Murtagh "This plan demonstrates what happens when we genuinely listen to communities and act on what matters to them. The Men's Shed movement has changed lives across County Longford, and our young people need spaces where they can flourish. These aren't distant aspirations – this is a practical framework that will strengthen the foundations of Ballymahon."
A big congratulations to the Ballymahon team for their great project participation and impressive output!
You can access Ballymahon’s IAP here.