Community working together delivers for Mayo town

THE former Balla Courthouse, which now operates as a digital hub, was host venue for the monthly Castlebar Municipal District council meeting.

The hub, which opened in June, is just one example of the community-driven innovation taking place in Balla, with CRD manager Niall O'Neill telling councillors of the projects undertaken this year.

He hailed the state of the art facility as being a 'huge addition' to the town.

Other notable projects achieved by the community working together, backed by the council, include the woodlands park enhancement, installation of four defibrillators, with 30 local people trained in their use, the sensory garden, which opened in August, the Raise the Roof project, which has gone to tender, an energy audit of residential and commercial properties, and planning underway for a Town Centre First project.

An application for urban regeneration funding is also being compiled, earmarked for projects such as the restoration of the walled garden and farmyard, upgrading of some buildings at the local secondary school, a greenway extension that will include an outdoor gym, and a new safe loop walk.

The combined works will make Balla an attractive place to live, work and invest, a town where inclusivity is to the fore with its autism-friendly ethos, and awards to show for it.

Councillors paid credit to Balla CRD members and the local community, with Councillor Harry Barrett saying they had a template for other towns to follow.

“There is real community spirit here,” commented Councillor Ger Deere. It is a really community-centred town, which epitomises what community it all about.

Presiding over the meeting in her home town, cathaoirleach Councillor Donna Sheridan said the presentation gave an insight into what can be achieved with hard work and determination, where community groups work together for a common goal.

Balla, she said, has a model that should be replicated in other communities.