Graffiti and vandalism plague Ballina’s Innovation Quarter – news

It is hoped that once tenants occupy the Innovation Quarter in Ballina, the anti-social behaviour in the area will come to an end. Incidents of graffiti and vandalism have occurred in the public plaza of the Innovation Quarter since it was completed late last year. The ambitious project, which cost over €8 million to complete, resulted in an impressive overhaul of the town’s historic Military Barracks as part of a plan to develop it into a state-of-the-art digital hub. However, the area has become a meeting point for young people in recent months, resulting in various acts of anti-social behaviour. Mayo Co Council’s architect in Ballina district, Robbie Maguire, told last week’s municipal meeting of the extent of the problems the public plaza has faced. “Graffiti was happening over a couple of weekends and now seems to have ceased. We said we would let it settle and then deal with it.” Mr Maguire said there has also been vandalism in the area with intercoms smashed off walls, prompting council staff to contact An Garda Siochana. “When the occupation rate at the IQ improves, that will help,” he said. Cllr John O’Hara said it was sad to see graffiti and vandalism...