PT8/MH187 - Lough Bracken Enhancement (Amenity) Works

Planning  Notice PART 8

Lough Bracken Enhancement (Amenity) Works

Notice is hereby given in accordance with the regulations of the above, that Meath County Council proposes to undertake the following development in the Townland of Lough Bracken, Drumconrath, County Meath.

The proposed development will consist of:

• Angling Stands ‐ To improve the usability and sustainability of Lough bracken for anglers.
• Walking Tracks ‐ Walking tracks 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 to be created.
• Bird Hides ‐ Bird hides are proposed along the lake’s western shore approximately 300 m from the car park. This will be an all‐access facility.
• Fencing ‐ Treated posts and rail fences are to be constructed along the lake’s southern and eastern shoreline.
• Picnic and Amenity Areas ‐ 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. Proposed is a universal access compost toilet. A series of interlinking picnic areas are to be created within the amenity area beside the car park.
• Playground ‐ The current amenity grassland will also provide space for a universal access children’s playground. Nature‐based play structures will include slides, swings and a climbable castle structure.
• Carpark, Cycling and Signage ‐ The 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. Secure bicycle‐ parking rack. And Signage is proposed to be installed at Lough Bracken.
• Tree Planting ‐ Clearance of non‐native commercial conifers around the car park and around the lake’s eastern shoreline will provide opportunities for ecological enhancement, particularly tree planting.
• Site Access ‐ improvement of existing site access and junction between the LT34042 access lane and local road L34040 (Nobber Road).

The Development has been subject to an Appropriate Assessment Screening in accordance with Article 6(3) of the EU Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43/EEC) and the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2022. In accordance with Article 81 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001-2024, Meath County Council has concluded from a preliminary examination under Article 120(1)(b)(i), that there is no real likelihood of significant effects on the environment arising from the proposed development and that an Environmental Impact Assessment is not required.

Any person may, within 4 weeks from the date of this notice, apply to An Bord Pleanála for a screening determination as to whether the proposed development would be likely to have significant effects on the environment.

The plans and particulars of the proposed development will be available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy during office hours at the offices of Meath County Council from 16 Jan 2025 to 14 February 2025 (excluding weekends, Public Holidays, and Bank Holidays) at the following locations:

• Planning Department, Meath County Council, Buvinda House, Dublin Road, Navan, C15 Y291 (Opening Hours 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm Monday to Friday) (Inspection and purchase)
• Meath County Council, Municipal District of Kells Office, Town Hall, Headfort Place, Kells, Co. Meath. A82 W2R3. (Opening Hours 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm Monday to Friday) (Inspection only)
• Athboy Library, Main Street, Town Parks, Athboy, Co. Meath C15 TY80 (Opening Hours Tuesday 1.30pm-5pm & 6pm to 8.30pm, Thursday & Fridays 10am-1pm & 2pm -5pm and on Saturdays 10am-2pm) (Inspection Only)
• https://planning.localgov.ie/, under Part 8 Reference: PT8/MH187

Submissions and observations with respect to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development would be situated, may be made on the National e-planning portal https://planning.localgov.ie/, under Part 8 Reference: : PT8/MH187 or in writing to the Local Authority:

Planning Department, Meath County Council, Buvinda House, Dublin Road, Navan, Co Meath, C15 Y291

on or before 28 February 2025.