Ballyboughal Community Council
About
The Ballyboughal Community Council is a voluntary, non-political group made up of local residents who work together to support and improve life in the village and surrounding area. Our mission is to promote a stronger, greener, and more connected community, where everyone has a voice and a role to play.
Founded to give structure and support to community-led initiatives, the Council acts as a bridge between residents, local authorities, and organisations. We advocate for sustainable development, coordinate local events, and help secure funding for improvements to shared spaces, amenities, and services.
Activities
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Community Events
By organising and promoting local events, the council fosters a sense of community and encourages active participation among residents. We host the annual Summer Heritage festival as well as Halloween and special Christmas events.
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Evironmental Initiatives
The council encourages residents to engage in climate action and biodiversity initiatives, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship within the community.
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Community Advocacy & Representation
The council acts as a liaison between residents and local authorities, representing community interests in planning and other development matters. For instance, it has made submissions advocating for the preservation of green spaces and ensuring that developments align with the community's needs.
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Local Amenities & Grants
Recognising the importance of local facilities, the council has emphasised the need to maintain essential services. The council applies for grants directly to fund infrastructure improvements, festivals, and sustainability efforts.
Future Ballyboughal: The Smart Village Action plan
The council has also contributed to the Future Ballyboughal Report, a draft vision outlining how the village can evolve to be more vibrant, sustainable, and community-focused. It reflects feedback gathered through public engagement across themes including village character, heritage, biodiversity, mobility, housing, amenities, and climate action.
Key priorities include protecting the village’s identity through sensitive design, restoring heritage buildings, and enhancing green spaces and biodiversity. The report supports improved pedestrian and cycling routes, traffic calming, and better public transport. It also promotes sustainable housing that respects the village scale, mixed uses to support local businesses, and stronger community facilities, recreation spaces, and cultural activity.
Environmental actions such as renewable energy, waste reduction, and nature-based flood management are also highlighted. Overall, the report provides a framework to guide future planning and investment while protecting Ballyboughal’s environment and rural character.
The Smart Village initiative is a European concept that helps rural communities adapt to modern challenges while preserving their identity and improving quality of life. It encourages the use of innovation, digital tools, and community-led strategies to strengthen social, economic, and environmental resilience.
Rather than focusing only on technology, a Smart Village promotes smarter use of resources, collaboration, and integrated planning. This can include high-speed broadband to support remote work, digital tools for local businesses and tourism, smart energy systems for sustainability, and online platforms that connect communities and promote local events.
2025 Committee
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Vicky McGauley
Chairperson
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Ronan Buckley
Secretary
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Mairead O’Keefe
Treasurer
Contact
You can reply to calls on our Facebook page or contact organisers directly to volunteer for events, planning workshops, or hub activities. Your interest and enthusiasm are welcomed.
Contact
Ballyboughal, Dublin, Ireland, A41 CF66
STAY IN THE LOOP
The Ballyboughal CC Text Alert Scheme
Ballyboughal Community Council runs a Text Alert scheme within a 3-mile radius of the village. Gardaí in Balbriggan issue alerts about suspicious activity, which are then shared with members via text.
The Text Alert system acts as both a deterrent and an aid to apprehending criminal activity and has been proven successful nationwide in making rural communities more secure.
Permanent signs encourage reporting to Balbriggan Gardaí (01-8020510 or 01-6664500), who vet the information before alerting the community. Always call 999 or 112 in an emergency.
This one-way system also shares updates on local events. It’s GDPR-compliant and safer than WhatsApp groups.
Membership costs €20 per number for 3 years. Sponsorships are welcome and acknowledged locally.
Please note: You can also drop your subscription with this form in the attached envelope into the Village Inn (after 5pm), MACE or The Brew. Once you have done this email your name and number, and where you have left the envelope, to ballyboughalcc@gmail.com