BLOG POST AUGUST 2024

Reimagining Ballina's Laneways: A Creative Approach to Climate Resilience

Based in Ballina, Co, Mayo, 'Cascade' aims to see how the laneways of our historic town centres can adapt to cope with increased rainfall from climate change in a way which also makes these shared public spaces more socially cohesive and beautiful. 'Cascade' refers not only to the water that flows down the buildings lining these laneways, but the capacity-building which will ripple out through communities as they create connected trails of climate-resilient, cohesive spaces that celebrate water. It is one of 43 projects funded by Creative Ireland’s Climate Action Fund II, which is supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media in collaboration with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.

March Events

In March we held our first ‘Storymapping’ workshop in the Mary Robinson Centre, where we gathered stories, experiences, and insights from Ballina’s residents. We wanted to understand how people interact with their town—how it has changed over time, which areas they like or avoid, and how the weather, especially rain, influences where they choose to go or stay. This workshop was an important first step in understanding the relationship between people, place, and water.

The following day, we held a place-based activity in Kathleen Lynn Lane. Here, we surveyed the lane in detail, capturing data on its physical condition, while also gathering the views and experiences of residents, business owners, and passersby. We discussed how the lane is currently used, or misused, and envisioned its potential for transformation. As we observed the lane, the connection between water and the urban environment became clear. We saw how water ‘cascades’ down buildings, forms puddles, and soaks into the surrounding stone - creating a natural habitat for ferns and moss, and highlighting both the beauty and challenges of the town’s infrastructure.

Questionnaire  

In addition to our workshops and surveys, we also conducted a town-wide questionnaire. Residents shared their thoughts on how Cascade could help them take action on climate change, and what areas of Ballina they believe are most in need of improvement. Here's a little of what you told us -

StoryMaps

The Cascade team created 'StoryMaps' signs and quote posters, each featuring a QR code that links to a series of activities along our laneway trail. These 'Storymaps' summarise the insights we’ve gathered from residents so far, and are displayed throughout Ballina’s laneways. To compliment the above, we created an outdoor exhibition showcasing heritage and contemporary case-studies where water management has been integrated into urban fabric.

We’ve also installed post-boxes, inviting people to share their stories about the lanes or suggest improvements. These contributions will be collected until October, and will play a key role in shaping a negotiated plan for the future of Ballina’s laneways.

July Event

Our engagement continued during the July Co-Design Workshop, held as part of the Ballina Salmon Festival. Here, residents came together to share their ideas, hopes, and dreams for the laneways. We explored ways to make these spaces more welcoming and social, while also considering how to future-proof them against the impacts of climate change. The day was filled with discussion, creativity, and community spirit, featuring a public session with local decision-makers on participation and democracy, live music from Nessa Music, and a graffiti workshop for youth led by local artist Emma Donoghue.

At the moment the Cascade team is planning and prepping the next CoDesign Workshop, along with an event for inclusion in a youth festival organised by the Mary Robinson Centre - both to be held in September.  To keep up to date sign up to our mailing list below and follow us on Instagram - cascade_ballina

How will you find out what happens with this project? Please keep up to date with Cascade news and events via www.subscribepage.io/cascade and www.instagram.com/cascade_ballina. Cascade will also have a space in Ballina library with information available throughout the project duration.

For more detailed information on the project please see here.

The Cascade Project Team are: Orla Murphy, Sarah Cotterill, Philip Crowe, Rebecca O’Malley from UCD Centre for Irish Towns; Mayo CoCo Councillor Mark Duffy and Kevin Loftus from Ballina Greenest Town and artist Ríonach Ní Néill. Ballina Greenest Town is a local initiative based in Ballina that aims to support Ballina to become Ireland's Greenest Town, led by Cllr Mark Duffy and Kevin Loftus. All team members are remunerated for their work on this project.

Contact Details: If you have any further questions about the project, please feel free to contact me: Rebecca O’Malley Email: [email protected]