Community centre, new playground, picnic areas and woodland walkway planned for 350-acre site in Kells
Proposals for a community centre, new playground and picnic areas, as well as a woodland walkway at the Commons of Lloyd at Kells will go on public display next month as Meath County Council progresses plans for the 350-acre amenity.
The plans also propose a new entrance closer to the town of Kells and additional parking. At last week's meeting of Kells Municipal Council, Senior Executive Planner, Alan Crawford said the proposals would be “a blueprint for the future use of the lands, protecting its heritage and environmental qualities whilst making it a more attractive and sustainable destination for the enjoyment of all.”
“The Commons of Lloyd is a place for everyone. A place for enjoying the landscape, for commemorating the past, respecting archaeology, walking with friends, visiting with family and for taking in the view.”
He said the draft plan has been prepared following extensive research, analysis, site visits and consultation with the local community of Kells.
The current facilities at Lloyd includes walking routes, a car park, playground, community allotments, picnic facilities and a famine memorial, as well as the Tower of Lloyd.
The new proposals feature a new children’s play and recreation area in the eastern corner, by the new main entrance to the Commons. A community centre will also be provided at the new entrance as a focal point, the current picnic space at the north-west corner of the Commons will be recreated to provide an attractive amenity space for visitors. The relatively flat northern edge of the Commons will be a biodiverse area, providing an opportunity to engage with nature and observe new and flourishing habitats.
There are proposals for a 3x3 basketball court and kickabout area, bike trails and sensory garden. The plan aims to expand on existing wider woodland areas and bring this into the Commons, to provide a more biodiverse and interesting landscape than what is currently there. Animal grazing will be managed and contained in specific zones
The new entrance at the eastern corner of the site was chosen for a range of reasons, including its proximity to Kells Town Centre and will be more attractive for pedestrians and cyclists. It is close to the existing bus stop, providing more sustainable transport links.
The new main entrance will serve car parking, cycle parking, disabled and age-friendly parking. The community centre will provide a focal point and the building will also house a café for the local community and tourists.
Cathaoirleach, Cllr Eugene Cassidy said not every town has land like this sitting on their doorstep that can be turned into what was proposed. “It is a good news story for Kells,” he said.
Cllr Sarah Reilly asked about a dog walking area. She said Lloyd was very popular with people walking their dogs. “They let them off the lead and I've got complaints about that, but it there was a dedicated dog walking space it would resolve that, it is big enough to accommodate it.
Cllr Sean Drew said he was particularly pleased at the new access point near the town centre. He welcomed the additional parking facilities and said there should be a couple of bays for coaches. “I look forward to this development and agree with Cllr Reilly about an off-lead dog area.”
Cllr Michael Gallagher welcomed the plan which he said would improve the town immensely.
Cllr David Gilroy said it was a brilliant, fantastic plan. He raised the issue of the reduced size basketball court.
“People are very enthusiastic when they open first but as time passes they are less and less used. There is plenty of space there and if there was a full sized court, there would be opportunity for clubs getting involved and playing basketball on it. The price wouldn't be that much different.” he said.
- Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme