Walkways and bike trails in Roundwood

GREEN LIGHT GRANTED FOR NEIGHBOURHOOD ENHANCEMENT SCHEME

WICKLOW County Council has granted permission for the development of forestry walkways, bike trails and six educational wooden huts at Sraghmore in Roundwood.

The site measures 5.18ha and is currently covered in woodland and is bounded by the R755 to the west and the 15054 to the east. The site is adjacent to the Vartry reservoir and a stream that flows into the reservoir runs through the site.

The proposal from applicant Donal McGillycuddy was considered a Neighbourhood Enhancement Scheme.

A previous planning application for the same development was recommended refusal because the proposed portaloo facility was not considered an acceptable long-term solution for wastewater disposal.

The revised plans included a proposed site where a proper toilet facility ad wastewater system can be installed.

Planners for Wicklow County Council found that the development would be acceptable as it would not injure the visual amenities of the area, would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety and convenience, would not be prejudicial to public health and would therefore be in accordance with the proper planning and development of the area.

Mr McGillycudy already has written conformation from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine that the proposals meet their vision for the site and he has qualified for a Neighbourwood Enhancement Scheme grant to do the works.

The walkways and bike trails are to be two metres wide.

The six educational wooden huts will be small and open on one side. The huts will hold educational information about local nature.

Two pedestrian bridges were proposed over the existing stream network within the site for the walkway, made from galvanised steel brides so as to match the ones used by the Vartry walkway.

The plans also include 35 car parking spaces, with extra spaces added due to the fact a small number of cars park at the reservoir bridge to enjoy the existing views and walkways.