Plans lodged for new access bridge to the Electric Picnic in Laois

A planning application has been lodged for a new bridge leading into the Electric Picnic music and arts festival in Stradbally.

Thomas Cosby applied for permission for the bridge at the site of a previously withdrawn planning application at Old Mill, Timahoe Road, Stradbally.  

This plan seeks to “construct a bridge over the Bauteogue River (Stradbally River) to link up the existing forestry roads (Bridle Paths) and access for the Electric Picnic and access to the rest of my farmland which is within the curtilage of a protected structure, Stradbally Hall.” 

The planning application, which was accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement, was submitted to Laois County Council on October 31.

Access to the festival became an issue of concern for farmers in 2024 when the organisers decided to hold the event two weeks earlier then usual. Farmers had feared the festival would coincide with the peak harvest when heavy machinery would be in use throughout the area where tillage farming is predominant. 

Plans were put in place following meetings with the IFA, organisers and local gardaí but the event didn’t coincide with the peak harvest. Organisers have since reverted to the original date which is usual the last weekend of August or the first weekend of September. 

A decision on the planning application for the bridge is expected to be made by Laois County Council by January 3, 2025.