Popular Laois amenity given green light for much needed car park

Planning permission for a new site entrance and carpark area for Rockview Walkways and Rambling House  has been granted by Laois County Council.

Laois Friends submitted the application in order to address safety concerns and difficulties accessing the site for people with disabilities and additional needs. Rockview Walkways is situated in the Cashel and Pass townlands between Ballyroan and Portlaoise.

At the moment an existing parking arrangement, a very small lay-by off a minor country road adjacent to a hump back bridge, cannot safely accommodate minibuses, wheelchair adapted vehicles or people carriers. 

The amenity is used by local groups on a regular basis and letters of support for the development accompanied the application from C-Ability, the Muiriosa Foundation, Special Olympics Laois, and Ballyroan Active Retirement. 

“The Laois Friends woodland Walkway (Rockview Walkway) has become a successful amenity providing a safe haven for locals and persons with disabilities and additional needs,” the application stated. 

“Organisations such as C-Ability and the Muiriosa Foundation and other local groups all frequent the walkway amenity on a regular basis.” 

Laois Friends also sought retention planning permission for an existing Rambling House Amenity Area comprising of a hall/rest area, seating area and toilet facility. 

READ NEXT: Councillor objects to votes of sympathy at Laois County Council meeting

The application explains that while the group has ambitions to develop a purpose built community centre, as a non-profit organisation, there are financial constraints. 

“Due to the growing visitor demand, part of the farm storage area has been converted for visitor use which provides young patrons and ambulant disabled users a safe haven from the unpredictable Irish weather, and a much needed and essential rest area,” the application explained. 

“It is still the intention that a resource/community centre would be included within the Laois Friends amenity but unfortunately as Laois Friends is a non-profit organisation with limited financial resources, funding for a new purpose community building is not currently a viable option, particularly with the current cost of construction. As a storage area/building was available and with a limited budget, it was decided to temporarily convert part of the existing building as a rest/amenity area. 
The temporary facility has now become an essential part of the walkway, amenity, servicing approximately 40 to 50 visitors per week.” 

Laois County Council planners granted the application with 13 conditions attached.