Further information sought on velo rail plans at Lough Boora

A plan by Bord na Móna to bring a novel recreational development to Lough Boora Discovery park, in the form of velo rail transport, has been placed on hold by Offaly County Council, pending the receipt of further information.

The semi-state body lodged a planning application with the council on June 19 last to repurpose and refurbish circa 5km of pre-existing narrow gauge railway line for the use of 10 to 15 Velo Rail cars, the construction of a terminus structure, and of pedestrian and service vehicle access paths and all associated site works.

An Appropriate Assessment and Natural Impact Statement were also prepared as part of the planning application.

The council has now sought further information and has requested the applicants to engage the services of a suitably qualified archaeologist to carry out an archaeological impact assessment of the development site and submit a written report.

They have also sought full details of the “qualification and experience” of the persons who carried out and prepared the Stage 1 Appropriate Assessment Screening Report and Natura Impact Statement.

The local authority also noted that the Natura Impact Statement refers to the “proposed rail bed” and they have asked the applicants to clarify whether any new sections of rail bed are required to facilitate the proposed development and to give “an estimation of the amount of fill” that is required during the construction phase.

In order to accommodate the number of people who wish to access the proposed development on bicycle, the applicants have also been asked to submit details on the provision of “suitable bicycle parking” at the proposed terminus.

Bord na Móna has been given a period of six months within which it must submit the further information requested by the council.

Velo rail transport, which is popular on the Continent, is described as being like giant pedal-powered bicycles which hold a family or a group who would pedal through the bogland. Essentially, they consist of a platform mounted on four wheels and on each side is a saddle and pedals for the two drivers and in the middle is the seat for the passengers.

It is envisaged that the velo rail project in Lough Boora would use the existing rail tracks that previously operated by Bord na Móna for peat production and transportation for what has been described as a recreational development geared towards the tourist market.