Greenway coffee shop gets green light in Castletown

Plans for a coffee shop and Men's Shed close to the Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway in Castletown are be back on track after An Bord Pleanala gave the go-ahead for the development.

While planning permission was granted to Castletown Tidy Towns by Meath County Council in March of last year, this decision was appealed to an Bord Pleanala. Castletown Tidy Towns are proposing to transform the derelict cottage into a visitor centre and cafe and also to construct a men's shed building on the site. The idea was to do up the vernacular cottage in 1930's style complete with thatch roof.

After considering two third party appeals, An Bord Pleanala has now given the green light for the project and upheld Meath Co Council's decision to grant planning permission.

The inspector in their report noted "having regard to the Meath County Development Plan 2021 to 2027, the nature and scale of the proposed development, which comprises the restoration and extension of an existing vernacular building to be used as a visitor centre and cafe and the construction of a Men's Shed, and the pattern of development in the vicinity, it is considered that, subject to compliance with the conditions set out, the proposed development would not lead to endangerment of public safety by reason of traffic hazard, would not seriously injure the amenities of the area or of property in the area, and would not be prejudicial to public health" and that the "proposed development would, therefore, be in accordance with the proper planning and sustaining health".

Welcoming the outcome of the appeal, local Cllr Eugene Cassidy said: "It has been a long wait but definitely worth waiting for. We have finally got full planning permission for coffee shop/men's shed after 13 months. Planning was granted in March 2022 by Meath Co Council but an appeal to ABP against that decision in April 2022 meant that this planning sat in limbo from then up to now.

"We now have full planning permission to move on with this fantastic project which will have a very positive effect on the village of Castletown. It's location, just 70m from the greenway, means it is in prime location to avail of all the cyclists and walkers that will be passing or those just out on the Castletown loop trail."

"The old house will not only be part of seating area for the coffee shop but a small communal/meeting space when the coffee shop is closed. Men's sheds are extremely popular and have proved to be very successful when opened in a community and I have no doubt that this be the same."

Cllr Cassidy said the next stage in the proposal is to apply for funding.

"I want to wish Castletown Tidy Towns every success with this and I'm looking forward to working with them in delivering something that will have a profound positive impact in their community," he said.