Ambitious plans for new seaside themed park for Laytown

Ambitious plans for a new park in Laytown that will transform the old playground and Seafield areas have been unveiled by Meath Co Council.

The proposal will include walkways, boardwalks, a picnic area, performance area with power outlets, as well as a new children's playground, with a more appropriate seaside theme.

"The proposals will have to go to An Bord Pleanala for planning permission because it is in a Special Conservation Area," said Cllr Sharon Tolan.

"We expect it will go to planning in January or February," she said.

The proposals include a promenade to connect the pedestrian bridge across the Nanny to the seashore, creating an elevated walkway over the dunes.

The park will include a network of paths and landscaping with facilities for older people and teenagers.

"I have proposed a Butterfly Garden for children that have gone to soon," said Cllr Tolan. "There will be a place of reflection, where people who don't have a grave to go to can visit."

There will be CCTV in the park, as well as signs directing people to the public toilets on the seafront.

"It will be great to see the re-development of the playground area, which is a bit tired and needs a complete upgrade.

"The land in the area has been under-utilised and will be great with walkways, seating areas , landscaping and a bandstand.

"There will be a cycle and footpath from the pedestrian bridge to the pitches and pitch and putt facilities in Seafield. Parents will be able to safely let their children off at the park and they can walk across to the pitches. Otherwise parents have to drive up and around by Julianstown to go to Seafield.

"It will be a very welcome development for the area. Minister Heather Humphreys announced a grant of €40,000 last year to allow for design and the planning application.

"When planning permission is granted, we will be applying for the full funding for the project."

Meanwhile, Cllr Tolan used her discretionary funding to purchase four benches which have been installed in Bettystown and Mornington.

"The provision of seating along popular walking spots is very important for older persons and those recuperating from illness or injury. I hope this will encourage more people to get out and about in our community, confident in the knowledge that there are places to take a rest if they need to," she said.