The future of Ballyhornan

The future of Ballyhornan

19 February 2014

THE first in a series of meetings to ask people in Ballyhornan to play an important role helping shape environmental improvements in the area took place last week.

The village’s community association has secured grants totalling £28,000 to employ an architect to transfer people’s ideas on to paper so work can start to implement them on the ground.

Money has also been secured to assist with construction costs and explore other potential funders to secure additional finance for other projects.

Architect Ciaran Mackle was joined last week at the first in a series of public consultation meetings and information events by community group chairwoman Patricia Curran, and residents.

People in Ballyhornan interested in the new initiative are also being offered the chance to attend training days on topics around conservation and gardening which are being co-ordinated by staff from the Rural Development Council.

Mrs. Curran said she was pleased with the response at last Thursday night’s meeting to get ideas for environmental improvements which are being funded by the Challenge Fund whose income is generated by the plastic bag tax.

She said projects people would like to see on the ground include a new play park and redeveloping a pathway linking Ballyhornan with Killard via Tullyronan.

“Some residents are also interested in developing allotments which they have already viewed in operation in other areas thanks to the East Down Rural Community Network,” said Mrs. Curran.

The community group chairman confirmed Mr. Mackle will be at the Ballyhornan Family Centre this Saturday between 2pm and 5pm to allow people to put forward other suggestions on how the Challenge Fund finance can be spent.

“People can in this weekend at their leisure to view the ideas which have already been suggested and provide us with some of their own if they wish,” she continued.

“The Challenge Fund projects

will raise awareness and understanding of our coastal environment, develop plans for short and long term environmental improvements and get the local community involved in the design, planting and maintenance of the projects.”

Mrs. Curran said parents in the Ballyhornan area have raised fresh concerns about the absence of a broadband connection, explaining it is impacting on schoolchildren’s ability to complete homework.

In a bid to help, the community group’s family centre is opening on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6.30pm until 8pm to allow pupils to use its computer suite.