Lough Boora velo rail plan gets go ahead

An ambitious plan by Bord na Móna Energy Limited to bring a novel velo rail recreational development to Lough Boora Discovery Park has been given the green light to proceed by Offaly County Council planners.

Permission was granted for the project, subject to eight planning conditions, recently.

Bord na Móna had sought permission 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, pedestrian and service vehicle access paths and all associated site works.

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. The bikes consist of a platform mounted on four wheels with a saddle and pedals on each side for the two drivers, and a seat in the middle for passengers.

Popular in France and Germany, velo rail in Lough Boora would use the existing rail tracks that previously operated by Bord na Móna for peat production and transportation for the new tourism venture.

Among the conditions of approval was the stipulation that no parking be allowed on the public road during either the construction or operational phases of the development, and that all public roads be kept free of “mud, dust, spillages and debris from the construction site, construction plant or haulage vehicles.”

Another condition of planning is that Bord na Móna shall submit a road condition survey of the L70098 (Boora Avenue) prior to the commencement of the development, and that any defects or deterioration of the road surface and future cycle track (if constructed) due to the construction activities of the proposed development “shall be rectified to the satisfaction of Offaly County Council at the developer's expense.”

Plans for the project were first lodged with the local authority in June, and further information was sought in September, including a full archaeological impact assessment of the development site and clarification on whether any new sections of rail bed would be required. The developers were also asked to give to give “an estimation of the amount of fill” that is required during the construction phase and to submit details on the provision fo “suitable bicycle parking” at the proposed terminus.

While the designs differ, they are generally 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.

The country's first velo rail project opened in Kiltimagh, Co Mayo, in June.