'Get this right' - Development at former Ryan's Bar marks a new era for Ballybeg
Since being gutted by a fire in 2011, Ryan’s Bar in the heart of Ballybeg has been an eyesore for locals.
After many false starts, plans to transform the site into an apartment complex have now been taking shape, and the first phase is due to be completed and allocated before the end of the year.
This week, a local councillor said that although the development is very welcome, it is now crucial that the local authority get it delivered right.
Independent councillor Donal Barry, said to the Waterford News & Star this week that the the former Ryan's Bar site has been a “scourge on the area for many years.”
He welcomed the development of much-needed new homes for the area, adding however that there is some anxiety amongst locals over how the apartments will be allocated and managed. The Council must listen to these concerns, he said.
“They need to get this right from the beginning. I have passed on the concerns being raised with me and stressed the importance of good estate management and getting the right balance of households before the first allocations are made.
“People who have lived in Ballybeg for years remember the difficult times. They also know how much work has gone into improving the area. Ballybeg is identified as an area experiencing disadvantage under the Pobal deprivation index. That has to be recognised when decisions are being made about a major new housing development in the community.
“Residents, community groups, sports clubs, local organisations and services have worked extremely hard over many years to bring Ballybeg forward. That progress has been hard earned and it has to be protected" Cllr Barry said.
The Independent councillor said that a key part of getting the development right is having a mix of people living there; working people, young families, older people, people with disabilities, single parents, single people and households at different stages of life, particularly those who are downsizing.
“We should use this development as an opportunity to broaden the social mix in the area. That is good for the existing community and equally important for the people moving into these new homes. They deserve a well-managed development and the best possible opportunity to settle in and become part of the Ballybeg community" Barry commented.
With further phases planned, Cllr Barry said that if the Council wants the confidence and support of Ballybeg residents, it needs to demonstrate that the first phase works.
“If it is well managed, has a good mix of residents and becomes a positive part of Ballybeg, that will build confidence in what comes next. If it doesn't, the Council cannot expect residents simply to put that experience aside when further phases are proposed.
“Get it right and this development can be another very positive step forward for Ballybeg.”
(Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme)
