New proposals for Tayto Park roller coaster

Thrill seeking riders on Tayto Park’s planned new €15.5 million rollercoaster wont be heard screaming by the Theme parks nearest neighbours, according to owner, Ray Coyle.

A raft of noise-reducing measures including putting parts of the ride in underground tunnels  and inside a pipes are included in plans for the new attraction.

A new planning application for the proposed steel roller coaster was lodged with Meath County Council last week. 

An Bord Pleanála turned down a previous planning application for a new steel roller coaster last July, due mainly to noise impacts from rollercoaster passengers’ screams on nearby residents.

Mr Coyle says that while there will be plenty of screaming, the local residents wont hear them, thanks to the new measures.

The proposed new ride is made up of two rollercoasters and  “has the wow factor because we do need to keep the magic going," according to Mr Coyle.

The ‘Coaster 2021’ project, which will eventually be called after something from Irish Folklore, is made up of a 31 metre high and 748 metre long Suspended Thrill Coaster and a 24.2 metre high 238 metre long Family Boomerang ride.

The new plan contains 14 separate noise reduction measures drawn up by Dutch roller-coaster maker, Vekoma which has made roller-coasters across the world such as Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain for Disney.

The noise reduction measures include three noise retention tunnels to mitigate patrons’ screams on the rollercoaster as well as reducing noise from the tracks. One tunnel is to be modelled on a castle round tower and a second tower is to be modelled with vines.

"It has been completely redesigned and reorienated. Parts of the ride will be three metres underground  and there will be a big fall-through pipe, which will also cut out noise," he said.

Tayto Park will also construct a 106 metre long, six metre high sound barrier along the northern boundary of the Tayto Park site.

Mr Coyle pointed out that the additional noise supression measures will cost €1.6million.

"This proposal, if it gets the go ahead, will create another 40 jobs in the park and secure the 250 jobs already there," he said.

"The spin off for the area will be substantial, with a lot more people visiting and spending money.

"The economic impact of the park to the local economy is estimated at €47million," Mr Coyle pointed out.

In May last year, a planning application or a 250-bedroom hotel at Tayto Park was withdrawn.

Mr Coyle said they still intend to build a hotel, but want to get the new roller coaster out of the way first.

He said that they will be seeking planning permission for a smaller hotel than originally planned.