First glimpse of Swellan Lake plan
Members of the public got their first look at emerging plans for the development of Swellan Lough as a landmark amenity space at Cavan Town’s Johnston Library last Friday.
It followed stakeholder engagement back in August and a subsequent feasibility study.
Noel Brady of Dublin-based NJBA A+U consultants presented the draft feasibility study, the result of work undertaken by a multidisciplinary team, which included NJBA A+U, Bernard Seymour Landscape Architects, Brady Shipman Martin, and Parenthesis Research.
Close to €50,000 was ring-fenced for the popular scenic spot by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, last November under the State’s Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
Swellan Lough, the design team believe, has the potential to be a place where “nature, water and wildlife are close at hand”.
“The opportunity to appreciate these fundamental attributes can be increased through measured techniques to facilitate access,” they state.
The strategy for this masterplan is based on a biodiversity first principle, and access to the lough is part of a series of controlled and protected landings. “These are located where the impact on existing mature reed beds and shoreline biology is less critical. At Glenlara Estate a connection, subject to local agreement, could provide an access to a boardwalk anchored to the existing break in the reed bed. This could link up to the pathway that enters from St Phelim’s Place.”
A significant finding in the consultancy was the value given to views of the lough even where access is not commonplace. “The team proposes further enhancement of this recognising critical locations on Highfield Road, Lower Swellan Road, and Kilnavara Heights to provide people with a vantage point, a seat and possibly shelter to engage the observer.”
Though not central to the feasibility study, designers are also proposing the consideration of a Biodiversity Visitor Centre or management facility. This could provide an important gateway experience to the lough from St Phelims Place.
“As a balancing initiative to the Regional Sports Centre, it would provide evidence of important reinvestment in the environment that sustains all of us. It may itself become a visitor attraction in its own right. Coupled with other co-developed opportunities, this project could sustain a reinvention of Swellan Lough and provide a guide to a future Green Cavan.”
Anyone who would like to contribute a comment or suggestion, or make a constructive contribution in helping finalise design proposals can make submissions by email to parenthesisresearch@gmail.com until December 6.
The draft study is also available on the Cavan County Council website at: www.cavancoco.ie/swellan-lake