Páirc Na Darach, Ballymoe

Description

Páirc Na Darach is a planned residential development in Ballymoe, Co. Galway, comprising of eight high-quality homes; two-bedroom bungalows and six two-bedroom two-storey semi-detached units. Universal design principles were implemented throughout. The scheme promotes independent living, accessibility, and community integration for residents of all ages and abilities.
Each home incorporates features, including level access, open-plan layouts, energy efficiency, wider internal doors, wet rooms with level access showers, guest bedrooms and front door canopies. Units feature a second bedroom suitable for a carer or guest, and private rear gardens enhancing natural light and outdoor connection. Fixtures and fittings are selected for ease of use, and passive surveillance is encouraged through active frontages and low-level boundary walls.
Strategically located within 400 metres of essential services including village shop, church, playground, community centre, and new bus stops, the development ensures walkable access to amenities. A pedestrian crossing links directly to the village’s footpath network, enhancing safety and connectivity.
A subtle gradient across the site, ascending from north to south, was addressed in the layout to maintain accessibility and ease of movement for all residents.
Despite the early design challenges with the road, the project team collaborated with the local authority to deliver a safe, accessible layout. Road improvements along the R360 include narrowed carriageways (from 9m to 6m), a defined junction, parallel parking to reduce visual clutter, widened footpaths, tactile paving, and new public lighting. A pedestrian crossing was also incorporated to enhance safe, step-free access for all users, particularly older adults, individuals with disabilities, and families with children.
The homes blend with Ballymoe’s character, maintaining the building line and enhancing the streetscape. The adjacent Fr. Flanagan Community Centre and playground further support community interaction and social engagement.

Aim of Initiative

This development aimed to provide high quality housing within a community while supporting independent living through thoughtful design, proximity to local amenities, and integration with the surrounding landscape. Homes are designed to blend with the rural character of Ballymoe, maintaining the building line of adjacent properties and enhancing the streetscape through active frontages and passive surveillance.
Road and junction improvements were delivered in line with the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets, ensuring a safe and accessible environment for all.

Who is it aimed at

This development is aimed at a diverse range of residents with varying housing needs, particularly:
• Older people seeking to downsize while remaining in their local community
• People with disabilities, who benefit from the development’s accessible design features, including level access, ground floor facilities, and proximity to essential services.
• Families
• They are also required to be on the housing waiting lists.

3 Steps critical to success

1. Collaborative Planning and Early Stakeholder Engagement
   Early collaboration with the Planning authority and Housing Department was essential. This ensured that design challenges such as road and footpath improvements were addressed proactively, leading to a layout that met both regulatory standards and community needs.
2. Design of homes
   Universal design principles were applied to the homes, including level access, accessible footpaths, adaptable internal layouts, wider internal doors, wet rooms with level access showers, guest bedrooms, front door canopies and energy efficiency.
3. Connections to the Community
   Providing pedestrian access to the village centre and community amenities through the installation of a pedestrian crossing along with footpath improvements was key. The development is within walking distance to essential services and community facilities within the village of Ballymoe.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Site Geometry and Road Layout
   The site topography was slightly elevated from North to South, the wide regional road and the undefined road junction posed significant design challenges. Achieving a layout that balanced accessibility, safety, and integration with the existing streetscape required careful planning and collaboration.
2. Infrastructure and Connectivity
   Improving pedestrian connectivity to the village amenities involved addressing constraints posed by existing infrastructure. The introduction of an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing, road narrowing, footpath widening, and new public lighting were coordinated to meet safety standards and community needs.
3. N/A

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. This project turns an unused piece of land into a welcoming new neighborhood that fits right in with the surrounding area and brings new life to the community.
2. The development’s location and design promote walkability, social interaction, and access to local amenities, fostering a strong sense of community.
3. Energy-efficient homes with high BER ratings reduce environmental impact and keep utility costs low, supporting long-term sustainability.