Recreational park plans approved by councillors

Proposals for a recreational park at Lough Bracken, Drumconrath, which will include a beach feature, a swimming area, playground, picnic area, angling stands and walking tracks were approved by Kells area councillors last week.

Cllr Eugene Cassidy said the proposals would be a big step forward for the area and it was a perfect project to attract funding from the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS). “Years ago, Lough Bracken was used for swimming and fishing,” he recalled.

Cllr Sean Drew said the area had attracted anti social behaviour and dumping in the past and asked for measures to eliminate those problems.

Following the meeting, Cllr Michael Gallagher said it would be a huge benefit to tourism in North Meath as well as the health and recreation of locals.

“50 years ago Lough Bracken was a major tourist attraction and well known on the continent as a coarse fishing hot-spot. It's my hope we attract tourists from France and Germany again to the lake, while also making it an attractive resource for locals. The local angling club who have done great work in their own right, have raised some concerns on their submission which we must be taking on board.”

Lough Bracken is located 2km south west of Drumconrath village.

The plans include angling stands to improve the usability and sustainability of Lough bracken for anglers. Walking tracks form part of the proposal and have been designed based on the multifaceted use of the lake which allow for the management of recreational users, anglers, families and people of all abilities. Some forestry trees will be removed in some areas to facilitate woodland boardwalks and trails.

Bird hides are proposed along the lake’s western shore approximately 300m from the car park. Fencing will be erected along the lakes southern and eastern shoreline.

Picnic and amenity areas are planned adjacent to the existing car park. The area of unused amenity grassland is proposed as a picnic area with a toilet and changing room facility. It includes a universal access compost toilet. A series of interlinking picnic areas are to be created within the amenity area beside the car park.

The current amenity grassland will also provide space for a universal access children’s playground with nature-based play structures including slides, swings and a climbable castle structure.

The existing car park is approximately 0.1 hectares of tarmac with kerbing surrounding the edges. It is proposed that a picnic/resting furniture is installed adjacent to the car park along with a secure bicycle parking rack. New signage will also be erected.

It is intended that non-native commercial conifers around the car park and around the lake’s eastern shoreline will cleared to provide opportunities for ecological enhancement, particularly tree planting.

Improvements will also be carried out to the existing site access and junction between the LT34042 access lane and local road L34040 (Nobber Road).