Ballyjamesduff residents voice concerns over park access

Residents of Beechwood Avenue in Ballyjamesduff have “serious concerns” about the proposed new park and, in particular, the plan to use the estate as the main access route.

The proposal from Cavan County Council for a new public amenity parkland at Cornahilt is currently open for public consultation as part of the Part 8 planning process. Submissions and observations can be entered up to July 16.

The proposed development aims to transform the site into a multi-purpose recreational destination featuring walking trails, play facilities, woodland attractions and dedicated spaces for visitors travelling by campervan. A 25-space carpark, one EV charging bay and a dedicated, access-controlled five-bay motorhome and campervan area are also envisaged, complete with servicing facilities. A coffee kiosk with public toilets will be located within a new arrival area, which will also feature cycle parking and a picnic area. The development will include new vehicle and pedestrian access from the town centre via The Grove.

“We are not against a park, in fact, most of us would welcome it,” says resident Kamil Rakoczy. “But the idea of directing all traffic through our small residential estate is deeply worrying.”

A group of residents met with the Celt to voice their opinions on the matter. Besides the obvious traffic and rattle of a construction site at the top of the hill, householders worry visitors will block the “already narrow street” with many homes relying on on-street parking.

Wear and tear of the road was brought up as well. They fear, additional footfall would bring in more issues, as Emer Kerr explains: “We are not against the park, we just don’t want people looking into our living rooms!”

Safety is their main concern, Skye Stanley says: “This is a quiet cul-de-sac. We’re a quiet estate, our kids can run around, we don’t have to worry about cars, there has never been any trouble.”

Sarah Keegan questions the logic of having to access a public park through a private estate: “Put a park in a public area, not in a residential area.”

Ideally, there should be neither a vehicle nor pedestrian access to the park via The Grove she believes.

While the estate is not Council owned, the owner of the land on the top has a right of way, which makes gating the road off infeasible.

During a Public Information Event last autumn, the plans were presented in the Ballyjamesduff Courthouse. At the time, they tell the Celt, an alternative access to the planned amenities was pencilled in – a route they’d far more prefer: “We told them at the time, entering the park from the Oldcastle Road is our preferred option,” says Kamil. “They would come in from the public road.” A small lane used for cattle and sheep veers from the main road.

This, they say, could be extended to meet the southend of the proposed park if everyone agrees.

In addition to submitting their concerns, the residents reached ou t to their local councillors.

“I can understand their concerns,” Cllr T.P. O’Reilly (FG) told the Celt. “Personally, I am in favour of this project. It will be a phenomenal amenity for Ballyjamesduff, it can only improve the town.”

He has brought the residents’ queries to the Council and has advised them also to enter their own submissions and observations.

“I have full confidence that the Council will take the submissions on board and mitigate their worries as best they can.”