Ballybay

Introduction

Ballybay, located centrally in the county, serves as a market town for a large rural hinterland. The main sectors of employment in the town are food processing and engineering/manufacturing.

The town is set on the edge of Lough Major which forms part of the Dromore River system and provides an important recreational and tourism resource in the area.

Access

Ballybay is located less than 20 km from all the main towns in the county and is linked by the county’s regional road network. The town is accessible to Dublin in just over an hour and a half, with the nearest port less than an hour away.

Journey times to airports / ports (mins)

Business Space

Ballybay has 23 hectares of lands zoned for Industry & Employment. The majority of these lands are located to the north western end of the town at the Monaghan Road. Other lands are included within the town.

An Enterprise Centre/business start up unit located on the Carrickmacross road provides 615 square metres of business space divided into 5 units. A €400,000 investment under INTERREG IVA will provide an additional 465 square metres of enterprise space at this location.

Link to Ballybay Town Development Plan Zoning Map

Information and Communications Technology

Water/Wastewater services

Ballybay has ample provision for water supply and treatment. The current demand for drinking water for the Lough Egish / Castleblayney / Ballybay area is 4,200 m³/day with a treatment capacity of 8,000 m³/day.

The town’s wastewater treatment plant has a plant design of 7,283 population equivalent (P.E.) and is currently catering for 3,135 P.E.

Education and Skills

The town and surrounding area is well served by a network of pre-school and primary schools and has one secondary school located within the town offering a high quality education.

Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) the third level institution for the region is located less than one hour’s drive from Monaghan. The town is also accessible to a range of other third level institutions, both north and south of the border.

Population

Ballybay Town has a population of 297. (2011 Census Interim)

Facilities

The town is supported by one hotel, the Riverdale and the Wetlands Centre that offer conferencing and meeting facilities. A range of support services are provided within the town including financial, legal and IT.

Activities

The town along with its surrounding Dromore river system presents a range of activities. The Wetlands Centre provides for the study and appreciation of a unique wildlife experience with its regionally important site for wintering migratory birdlife and offers eco-tourism and schools packages. The Dromore lakes/river system provides a great location for fishing. Other local activities include peaceful walkways, bowling green and a range of sporting activities.

Visit the Ballybay town website at www.ballybay.ie