Emer Gallagher
A historic town centre site in Ballina, incorporating two acres, will go on the market this month.
At the monthly meeting of Ballina Town Council last week it was revealed that a two-acre site on the market square will be sold.
“For any developer it is a very attractive site with anchor stores nearby, such as Penney’s and Tesco,” said County Engineer, Paul Benson (pictured).
The site was formerly a military barracks and some of the original buildings dating back to the eighteenth century still exist. “There are not many towns in Ireland left with galvanise and it will be good to get rid of it,” said Mr Benson.
Mr Benson outlined that they plan to keep the pedestrian inlets and a civic square with a view to providing underground car-parking. Mr Benson also assured the Council members that alternative car-parking facilities would be provided when construction begins and said he is already in discussions with persons who can provide the temporary facilities.
The site will be looked at as project in its entirety and will be sold to one developer.
Mr Benson said the Council will ‘have a fair idea’ whether they have a developer on board by the end of the summer and the development could be in the planning process by the end of the year.
Mr Benson acknowledged that the recent downturn in the economy with regard to selling property, but added that town centre property was always attractive.
