Pressure mounts to save Trim outdoor activity centre
Boyne Valley Activities in Trim is facing closure after being informed by Meath County Council it cannot continue operating due to a planning issue on site, sparking a petition of more than 2000 signatures in just days calling for the popular attraction to be saved.
The closure of the kayaking and outdoor activity centre, along with the Boyneista Coffee Dock, has sparked widespread concern locally, with growing political and community pressure for clarity on the decision.
The business first confirmed the development in a social media post, describing the news as “devastating” and warning that the closure would impact staff, school tours, summer camps, visiting tourists and local tourism activity along the Boyne Blueway.
Owner James Murray said he had been “blown away” by the level of community support since news of the closure emerged.
“We genuinely didn’t expect this level of reaction,” he told Meath Chronicle. “The support from the community has been unbelievable.”
Mr Murray said the business has been operating for the past 14 years, with operations in their current site in Trim since 2017 following the granting of planning permission and a lease agreement with the council, and that it has grown steadily since.
“ From the beginning, everything was done with planning permission and in agreement with the council.”
Mr Murray said that since 2022, Boyne Valley Activities had been working closely with Meath County Council to try to find a route to securing appropriate planning permission for the site.
He said both parties had been engaged in that process with the shared aim of finding a workable solution.
“There has been a genuine process of engagement between both sides to try and regularise the situation.”
He said that in 2022, during lease discussions, it became apparent there was uncertainty regarding the planning status of the site and how it related to environmental designations in the area.
“It came to light at that point that the planning was considered temporary. From then on, we engaged with the council in a very constructive way to try and find a solution.”
Mr Murray said discussions had also focused on the fact that the site is located near to a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), which adds additional planning and environmental requirements.
“We understand the sensitivity around the SAC and we’ve always complied with ecological reports and assessments. When we originally applied, the site was screened out as having no significant impact.”
He stressed that engagement with Meath County Council had been ongoing and collaborative in recent years.
“There has been ongoing discussion right up to recent weeks. It has always been constructive from both sides, working with the council to try and resolve whatever planning concerns exist.”
However, he said the situation had now reached a critical point.
“We’ve now been told there is no option to regularise the planning in the current location and that we would have to vacate the site. That’s where things stand at the moment.”
The Trim entreperneur said that business had already been impacted with school tours and summer bookings already been scaled back amid ongoing uncertainty, he added that the potential closure would have wider consequences for the town.
“This is a tourism and community space. It brings people into Trim, supports local businesses, provides jobs a really important outdoor amenity for families and visitors.”
He also warned the closure could impact activity along the Boyne Blueway, which relies on local providers to facilitate access and guided use of the river.
To see how strongly people feel about the situation, he said, had been “overwhelming”.
“It really shows what the place has become for the community.”
Mr Murray said he remains hopeful that a resolution can be found that would allow the business to continue operating.
Independent councillor Noel French said Boyne Valley Activities had become an integral part of Trim’s tourism and community offering, while Aontú councillor Dave Boyne described it as a “significant loss” to the town, highlighting its role in bringing people together and supporting local tourism.
A spokesperson for Meath County Council said:
“Meath County Council, as landowner, must ensure that any activity taking place on its lands is appropriately permitted, safe and compliant with planning and environmental requirements.
"Where these requirements are not in place, the Council cannot allow activity to continue. Planning and enforcement matters are dealt with through statutory processes, and it would not be appropriate for the Council to comment further on those processes.
"The Council supports water-based recreation and tourism in Trim and will consider appropriate options for the future use of Council lands, where feasible and subject to all relevant approvals and processes.”
See the petition here