Plan outlined for new public park in Ferbane

A former fire station is to be partially demolished to help create a new public park at the Fairgreen in Ferbane.

Offaly County Council has outlined details of the Ferbane Fairgreen Public Park project, which is currently open for public consultation through the council's own 'Part 8' planning process.

Summarising the details of the development, the local authority said it would involve a "partial demolition of the redundant fire station," with the "existing front facade to be used as a gateway" to the public park.

The park itself is set to incorporate "hard and soft landscaping including stone paving, gravel paths, grassed area, trees and hedging".

In addition, the Fairgreen work will see a new pedestrian opening being created in the boundary wall of the community centre car park, while a new "at-grade" crossing will be constructed to link the amenity to the "existing mass path".

Three car parking spaces are to be relocated as part of the project, and new public lighting is to be installed.

The council said an environmental screening report, in respect of the new park, determined it would have no significant effects on the environment and, accordingly, a full 'environmental impact assessment' report was not needed.

The proposed plans for the new amenity are currently available for inspection in Offaly County Council's offices in Tullamore and Birr, and the plans are also available online on the local authority’s website.

Submissions or observations on the proposed development can be made in writing to Offaly County Council Director of Services Stephen Duclot until December 8.