Amenity plan for Commons of Loyd

Meath County Council is preparing a recreation and amenity plan for the Commons of Loyd in Kells, which includes the People's Park, and is seeking the public's help with ideas for the land in question.

The plan will examine the wider development potential from a combined amenity and tourism perspective. It will also be designed within the context of protection and conservation of the historic landscape character of this area. The public is being asked to complete a survey before the end of the month, with their ideas.

Cllr Sarah Reilly said the lands at Loyd currently offer a fabulous public amenity. "It has huge untapped potential for tourism and recreation. This public consultation offers the people of Kells a wonderful opportunity to to be heard on their views on how the offering at the lands could be enhanced to benefit the community in the future. My advice is to engage and think big," she said,

Cllr Sean Drew welcomed the survey and urged the public to participate.

He had proposed the creation of a recreation and amenity plan in a notice of motion a couple of months ago.

"There is a substantial walking trail around the park, but I'd like to see some of the fields closer to the town accessible so that people could walk or cycle directly to the People's Park," he said.

"Part of the lands are adjacent to the N52 bypass and I would like to see an access point joining the walk/cycleway on the N52 to the Loyd lands."

Cllr Drew said he had made a number of submissions including one to re-open the spire and make it accessible to the public.

"It is a tourism attraction and it is in the care of the county council. We need a major focus to do whatever needs to be done to have it re-opened. It is a magnificent viewing point and if marketed right it could attract much more visitors to the area."

He said that some of the lands close to the N52 which are currently farmed are flatter and could be used for recreational purposes.

"We could provide playing fields like at Blackwater Park in Navan and Deerpark in Carlanstown. Kells is also in need of a community centre and we should start planning to provide a proper facility on the lands close to the town.

"A lot of work has bee done upgrading the Paupers' Graveyard, but I feel that more information signs should be put up about it and about Loyd in general and the history of the area.

"I would also like to see a quiet area as a remembrance garden for those who want to remember infants who have died."

Cllr Drew said that the playground is great, but he would like to see it upgraded and more benches and picnic tables in the park, as well as toilet facilities.

Meanwhile, a public realm plan for Kells Town Centre is being drawn up following a period of consultation earlier this year. Submissions on the draft plan will also be invited at a later date.