A renewed sense of excitement
Emer Cassidy
Newly part of Cork city, business in Ballincollig is thriving and is significantly contributing to the growth of the local economy and sense of community.
The Ballincollig Business Association (BBA) members are reporting that they’ve experienced further improvements again in the first half of the year and all have a very positive outlook for the foreseeable future. And we’re also seeing a number of new businesses opening their doors, which is absolutely fantastic for the town. There is a renewed sense of excitement about the future now that we’ve become part of the city.
The BBA has already had a number of positive meetings with Cork City Council and we’re heartened that they share our vision for Ballincollig. They have been very supportive of our ambitions for business in the town and protecting the identity of Ballincollig that we’ve all worked so hard to build. And all while ensuring Ballincollig is part of the bigger Cork success story.
We really believe that Ballincollig has huge potential for further development, particularly under the pillars of tourism and technology.
We have what we consider a jewel in the local tourism crown, the Regional Park with the Gunpowder Mills, which is a stunning amenity. We have a great hospitality offering in the town as well in terms of food and beverage. Coupled with the expanding retail offering, Ballincollig is now considered a destination town.
The tireless work of the Ballincollig Tidy Towns also deserves credit for transforming the town and providing a real sense of community. Last year, it won Tidiest Large Urban Centre, just one point off the overall winners. For this year, we are calling out to everyone, businesses and residents, to help out and do their part.
The BBA has entered Ballincollig into the Bank of Ireland National Enterprise Town Awards this year as we truly believe in the town’s position as one of the most progressive towns in the country. Ballincollig is self-sufficient; we have a wide and varied employment landscape, sensible residential and commercial expansion and room for further growth. At the heart of the town is a broad range of voluntary organisations and groups whose focus is on making Ballincollig a great place to live and work.
In the past 20 years, Ballincollig has worked very hard to build and maintain its own identity, ensuring it is recognised as a strong and important part of the Cork metro region. It embraced the challenge of developing itself successfully as a hub for business and prosperity without negatively impacting on its vibrant residential community. And we have a very positive outlook for what the future holds as we continue to contribute to living in this great city and county.