A survey is to commence in Ballinrobe town next week which will generate ideas on how to rejuvenate the town centre and make it a more attractive town to visit and shop.
Ballinrobe based councillor Michael Burke said that a similar survey is already under way in Claremorris and next week the survey will be undertaken by First Western. Cllr Burke said that the survey will be conducted among traders, shoppers, stakeholders and has the full support of Ballinrobe businesses along with local and county councillors, who according to Cllr Burke have all been supportive from the beginning.
Basically the survey will boil down to what people really want from shopping, dining and leisure facilities in the town, and what services for the elderly and the young should be retained or provided. Important issues will be addressed, such as, among others, car parking charges, the vacancy rates of shops, the impact of edge of town retail centres, the impact on the rate base due to vacant units, and the reduction of derelict sites.
The survey is expected to be completed at the end of May after which findings will be discussed and those which are able to be implemented without needing “a pot of gold” will be carried out.
