Ballina’s new mayor aims for Purple Flag

Ballina’s new mayor aims for Purple Flag


In what was described as a historic night in Ballina Town Council’s history, Cllr Johnny O’Malley was elected unopposed as Cathaoirleach of Ballina at the council’s AGM on Wednesday last, June 19. Taking the reins from Fianna FΡil councillor, Willie Nolan, the new cathaoirleach acknowledged that he was privileged to take on the role, but added that it was a ‘sad time’, as the occasion would not happen again due to the proposed abolition of town councils.
Making his agenda known from the outset, the cathaoirleach said he intended to make Ballina a Purple Flag town. The Purple Flag is an international award that recognises excellence in managing town centres with a focus on night-time economy. Mayor O’Malley explained to those gathered that if it attained the flag, Ballina would join two Dublin areas and Ennis – the only other places to hold the flags.  
A town centre that receives the award must score highly in well-being (safety and cleanliness), movement (traffic flow and public transport), broad appeal (appeal for people of all ages and interests), place (vitality and cultural stimulation) and policy envelope (clear aim).
The new cathaoirleach noted the loss of attractions in the town, mentioning a time when the town had five nightclubs. “In attempting to get the Purple Flag we could get tidy towns, pubs, hotels and the Chamber of Commerce all working together. I do think we have a good case for it with the installation of CCTV and the work of the Joint Policing Committee,” he said.
Other projects the cathaoirleach cited as priorities included the completion of the Jackie Clarke Collection, the Mary Robinson Centre and the National Salmon Life Centre. The mayor also highlighted the take over of housing estates as a major priority, noting that the estates were ‘a legacy we cannot leave behind.”
Concluding his council address, the newly elected mayor said he would do his utmost to ensure the council would be ‘cohesive’, adding that judgement on whether the council had served people well would only be made ‘when we’re gone’.