Major Ballagh rally against council's public realm plan set for Sunday

A major rally opposing the council's public realm works in Ballaghaderreen has been confirmed for Sunday at 3.30 p.m. in The Square.

The public rally organised by the local business community is set to intensify the opposition to the regeneration works which are proving highly controversial.

Notification flyers about the rally are being circulated throughout the town and surrounding areas ahead of Sunday.

Local retailers are fiercely opposing the public realm works, claiming up to 70 street parking spaces will be lost around the town.

Negative impact on trade, on the ability for shoppers to park conveniently, and on delivery and other vehicles trying to negotiate the new layouts are among the fears being expressed locally.

In a statement, the council said the €4.5m project aims to “provide a coherent, attractive town centre and approach roads to make the town attractive to live, work, visit and do business in”.

The council said the current town centre was vehicle dominated with limited provision for people to enjoy the town centre while going about their business. The local authority outlined that the plans would result in the loss of approximately 47 parking spaces in the town centre including about 24 from the town square.

“There is off street parking in Ballaghaderreen including in the currently underused Plots carpark off Barrack Street (current capacity 72 spaces).

“The project was informed by public consultation that culminated in the statutory planning consent process known as the Part 8 planning process,” it said.