Brightening Ballincollig: One Utility Box at a Time
Most people pass utility boxes every day without a second glance. Our idea was to transform these functional pieces of street infrastructure into something that contributes positively to the public realm. What was once a plain metal box could become a point of interest, adding colour, character and conversation to the streetscape.
In 2024, we launched our Utility Box Artwork Project with a commission to local artist Kevin O'Brien to transform ten dull utility boxes into colourful canvases celebrating nature and biodiversity.
Ballincollig Tidy Towns has long championed biodiversity through pollinator planting, habitat creation and education initiatives. The utility boxes offered a unique opportunity to bring these themes into the heart of the town, creating visual reminders of the wildlife that shares our environment and encouraging people to look more closely at the natural world around them.
The project was met with an overwhelmingly positive response from the community. Residents quickly embraced the artwork, with many taking to social media to share photographs and discuss their favourite designs. The initiative also received recognition in the National Tidy Towns adjudication report 2025, which noted:
"The utility box project creating art installations from street infrastructure adds colour and interest. The two at Coolroe with the wildflower meadow close by are striking."
Encouraged by this support, the project expanded beyond the original ten installations, creating an even larger collection of artwork across Ballincollig.
Today, the Utility Box Artwork Project has transformed ordinary pieces of street infrastructure into colourful celebrations of nature, biodiversity and community pride. Residents, local businesses and visitors can enjoy the collection while exploring the town, discovering native birds, pollinators, wildflowers and other elements of the natural world depicted in Kevin's designs.
But don't just take our word for it. Here are some social media comments from the Ballincollig community:
"I am loving these painted electric boxes around the town. I keep spotting more. Kudos to local artist Kevin O'Brien Art." - Sarah M.
"I can't wait to see photos of the whole lot of them finished. Great addition to the village. So bright and cheerful. Great idea. Thanks. My favourite box is the robin outside Westgate." - Mags M.
"We just love the robin outside our wall. What a great idea to brighten up the Village." - Local charity
"Brilliant idea by Ballincollig Tidy Towns and awesome art pieces by Kevin that communicate with each of us in the community." - Olga S.
"Kids love spotting them as we walk or drive through the village. Wonderful work by the artist!" - Liz O.
We invite you to discover the artwork for yourself by exploring our interactive map (click here to access). Use it to locate each installation, plan a walk or cycle around the town, and perhaps even find a new favourite corner of Ballincollig along the way.
As you visit the artwork, we would love to hear what you think. Let us know which design is your favourite, and tell us where you would like to see future installations. Join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram, and help us continue making Ballincollig a more vibrant, welcoming and environmentally aware place for everyone.