Coffee dock and off-leash dog run plan for Blackwater Park

An off leash dog walking facility and a coffee dock facility are on the cards for Navan's Blackwater Park. Further facilities such as a skate park, a bandstand or outdoor auditorium will be dependent on the availability of funding.

At a meeting of Navan Municipal Council last week, Cllr Eddie Fennessy asked for an update on plans to upgrade the park and if there were plans for a bandstand/outdoor auditorium, an off-leash dog walking section, a skate park or bye-laws to permit the sale of coffee and foodstuffs. He was told that further development within Blackwater Park will be dependent on the availability of funding and that the Council's Transportation and Community departments are currently examining the operation of other off-leash dog walking areas and updates will be provided in due course.

The casual trading byelaws are currently being reviewed with the potential to include other locations, including Blackwater Park, which would facilitate the sale of coffee/foodstuffs in the park.

Cllr Fennessy said the provision of an off leash dog walking facility on the Blackwater Park was something he had repeatedly called for over the years.

"There's huge demand out there for such a space and local dog owners will be delighted to be given the freedom to exercise their pets without constraint.

"I'm also delighted that the council are working towards facilitating the sale of beverages and foodstuffs in the park. It's an issue I raised in private over the years and I think it makes perfect sense to allow vendors trade on site.

"The provision of such facilities will benefit the families who spend time on the park. I thank the council and I look forward to watching the park further develop over the coming years."

The news follows on from recent opening of the new toilet and changing facilities.

The new building provides changing rooms with shower facilities and public toilets that cater for all abilities.

Meath County Council has completed various projects over recent years including the development of the playground, the installation of lighting along the 1.4km looped walkway to allow longer hours of usage during the autumn and winter months and the launch of Sceal Trail, a fun and educational activity that can be enjoyed by all the family.

The toilet and changing facilities will facilitate increased sports participation through local schools and sporting organisations and for those who participate in the park run, those who use the GAA, rugby and soccer pitches and the children’s playground.