DESIGN FOR LANDFILL AMENITY APPROVED

by Colm Croffy

Cllr. Evelyn Parsons welcomed the completion of the Preliminary Design for the long-awaited transformation of the closed Poolboy Landfill site, into a vibrant new amenity and recreational park. The design, which was presented to the M.D.C. lately marks a significant milestone in the community’s journey toward reclaiming this space for public use after years of hard work, collaboration, and activism.

“I am delighted to welcome the preliminary design for the transformation of the old Poolboy landfill site into a vibrant new recreational ecopark for the people of town and wider area. This is an early and a monumental step forward for the Ballinasloe area in a long journey towards transforming a major environmental blight on our landscape into a leisure orientated, eco-friendly destination for all of us to enjoy.” stated Cllr. Evelyn Parsons Independent.

The park’s preliminary design envisions a range of features, including accessible playgrounds for children, walking trails, picnic areas, sensory spaces, biodiversity initiatives, cycling tracks, and outdoor classrooms and an amphitheatre. The project was developed with substantial community input to ensure it reflects the needs and desires of local families, children, and seniors, with a focus on accessibility and inclusion.

Cllr. Parsons acknowledged the work of the council and collaboration with environmental experts and consultants who confirmed that sustainability and safety will remain paramount in the project with continued monitoring and management.

“This park will not only provide a space for relaxation and recreation and attract tourism and economic development, but it will also serve as a symbol of our community’s ability to turn challenges into opportunities. What was once a landfill is now reimagined as a green space that will enrich our lives for generations to come. This speaks to the ongoing efforts to unlock the potential of other disused and derelict facilities in Ballinasloe, which are ripe for transformation,” stated Cllr. Evelyn Parsons.

The journey to this point has been a long one, starting with the closure of the landfill in 2005 following a legal campaign led by community leaders, activists and council members in the 1990s and beyond.

“A special note of gratitude goes to the brave committed individuals, some no longer with us, who fought for the community and to bring an end to the landfill and to ensure the delivery of an amenity for the people of Ballinasloe,” Cllr. Parsons said. “Their efforts have made this project possible, and we remember and honour the efforts of those who stood for this and deeply value ongoing engagement as we take this important first step along a new journey of an ecopark development.”
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Cllr. Parsons further stated “There is still much work to do and many phases ahead. I am confident that, with the community’s ongoing input, we will see this vision for the eco park fully realized. Everyone who has participated in the process so far, from providing feedback during public consultations to attending meetings are shaping the future of our town, and it’s looking brighter, greener, and more vibrant than ever before.”