New public park proposed near Ballyjamesduff

Cavan County Council has unveiled plans for a new public amenity park at Cornahilt, Ballyjamesduff, with proposals now open for public consultation as part of the Part 8 planning process.

The development would transform the site into a multi-purpose recreational destination featuring walking trails, play facilities, woodland attractions and dedicated spaces for visitors travelling by campervan.

Under the proposal, access to the park would be provided via The Grove, alongside a future pedestrian link connecting to the Woodlands area. Plans include a new car park with 25 spaces, incorporating accessible, age-friendly and parent-and-child parking bays, as well as an electric vehicle charging point.

A dedicated five-bay motorhome and campervan area is also proposed, complete with service facilities and controlled access. Visitors would be served by a coffee kiosk and public toilet facilities located within a new arrival area, which would also feature cycle parking, picnic areas and seating.

The park would include a network of pedestrian pathways, including a fully accessible 500-metre walking route, a woodland sculpture trail and scenic viewpoints. Other planned amenities include a children's playground, outdoor exercise equipment, a forest school learning area, picnic tables and benches.

Extensive landscaping is proposed, with native hedgerows, tree and woodland planting, meadow areas and additional shrub planting aimed at enhancing biodiversity and creating a natural recreational environment.

Cavan County Council has confirmed that screening assessments found the development would not require a full Environmental Impact Assessment and is not expected to have significant effects on nearby protected habitats.

Members of the public can inspect the plans and make submissions or observations until July 16.