Seaside town fights to keep its charm

IN...BALBRIGGAN: The character of this north Co Dublin town by the sea has changed - but it needs better amenities, says Paul O'Doherty

NOT QUITE as beautiful as some would suggest, Balbriggan is fighting to retain much of its old world charm: you find that charm in spots around the town and in the largely underdeveloped and scenic coastline.

With a number of shops relocating or closing down and an over-reliance on fast-food outlets and modern monstrosities, the town's character has altered. It lacks many of the amenities, touches of class and a 21st century master plan that could make it one of the most accessible and commutable Dublin suburbs for miles.

How's the market?

O'Connor Property Consultants' Chris White acknowledges: "It has started to pick up in the last 10 to 15 days, and there is definitely signs of the slump bottoming out after a 35 to 40 per cent drop in prices, in places."

Landmark Estates' Declan Furlong suggests the drop is closer to 15 to 20 per cent, and although sales are slow, if the property is reasonably priced, "there are deals to be had".

Sullivan Property Consultants' Tom Watters maintains "that while sales are down, we've had quite a few sales agreed, and it is an excellent time to buy - not much is going to happen between now and next spring".

A new one-bedroom ground floor apartment with plenty of parking at Castleland Court seems ludicrously priced at the very affordable €165,000, while a two-bedroom ground floor apartment at Baron's Hall, adjacent to the new Castle Mill shopping centre, is down €25,000 to €220,000, after two months on the market.

Into the houses, a two-bedroom mid-terrace, again at Baron's Hall, suitable for a first-time buyer who wants a small well-kept garden, is looking for €245,000, about €45,000 less than it would have fetched 18 months ago. A three-bedroom semi in a quiet cul-de-sac at Chapel Grove is €280,000 (down about €40,000 since February 2007), while an odd-looking four-bedroom detached home with a decent back garden is down €90,000 (20 per cent) and falling to €360,000 at Flemington Park.

And to rent?

According to Landmark Estates' Declan Furlong: "It's still quite strong although we can see demand dropping off and rents coming back", while Cumisky Myler's Aine Myler says it is "very good and very strong".

Property Zone's Valerie Morelli also agrees it's "good" adding that "while prices have come down because there are not as many foreign nationals around, people are still transferring from Dublin to Balbriggan to avail of less expensive rents".

A one-bedroom apartment at the centrally-located Brackenwood Drive is seriously undercutting the opposition at €750 per month.

You can get a two-bedroom apartment in the same development for €50 more.

A two-bedroom house in a quiet cul-de-sac and a short walk to the town at Hampton Green is yours for €1,000.

In the three-bedroom market, which is just as crowded as the division below, a well-laid out duplex at New Haven Bay, with great views of all the other houses in Legoland, is €1,200.

Going out?

Good selection of popular pubs like Harvest Inn and de Brún, and Saffron, Harvey's Bar and Grill, Castellina Chianti and The Bracken Court hotel all have their advocates among the foodies, but still far too many fast-food options.

Price of a pint

Price of a pint? €3.60 in de Brún.

Good for families?

Not the easiest journey to the children's hospital. The school places problem has been alleviated in recent times with the opening of two new schools. And, according to St Molaga National School principal Bill O'Toole, "there are some places here for next September and any of our sixth class students who have applied in the past for places in the two local secondary schools have all got places". Créche places available at Kidooles Créche and Montessori are €215 per baby per week. Storytime is Thursday (2pm) in the local library.

What's to do?

Strong sports links to GAA, rugby, soccer and golf. Close to the sea and beach, it's very popular for coastal walks. And there's a monster bingo in the community centre, November 30th.

Home to . . .

Plenty of pigeons, Wavin and Frank Carson.

Locals say

"The town still retains its village-ness and the dogs are all very well kept" (Paddy Brosnan, Doggy Doos).

"It's got great scenery and it's close to the beach but there are no amenities for the children or anything to do" (Anna Vickers).

"I love Balbriggan and the people are very friendly and helpful but the traffic is always choc-a-bloc" (Sean Browne).

"The different cultures in the town are great" (Justin Ahern).

"It's like Hockenheim around here sometimes with the inordinate amount of senior citizens driving those four-wheeled drive mobility scooters on the paths" (Gary Coyne).