Local election candidate slams failure to maintain Lough Boora Discovery Park

FIANNA Fáil local election candidate for the Birr Municipal District Barbara Daly has called for the development of a sustainable Plan for the Lough Boora Discovery Park following persistent complaints about the failure of Bord na Móna to maintain amenities at Offaly’s iconic parkland. She has also written to the CEO of Bord na Mona complaining about the current state of facilities at Lough Boora.

Following a recent visit to mark Earth Day, the Ferbane based candidate said the state of the park was “a stain on the proud history of Bord na Móna in the Midlands.”

She said: “What I discovered at Lough Boora is gravely disappointing.

The story of Boora is the story of Offaly. Boora is layered with history. The transformation of the parkland was a credit to the vision of Bord na Móna but sadly all that has changed. I know many of those who worked on the bog and in the workshop and those who helped with the re-transformation of the bog and they are heartbroken.

“In the course of my door-to-door canvass local residents have expressed ongoing concern and disappointment at the lack of maintenance and poor quality of services and amenities that has developed in recent years.

It is a valuable local amenity, a place to visit for families, sports people and cyclists as well as having enormous tourism potential.

Lough Boora Parklands has long been a source of pride for local people and has regularly been used as a photo-shoot location for public announcements, brochures and reports by Bord na Móna. Their stated commitment to Boora has not been honoured.

“There is a lack of basic upkeep and maintenance while pathways signed posted as 'Accessible' are in in a poor state of repair. Increased costs of parking and bicycle hire have put enjoyment of the amenity beyond the reach of many families,” she said.

“A sustainable Plan for Lough Boora Discovery Park is required if its potential as the jewel in the crown of Tourism in Offaly is to be realised.

“I have written CEO Mr Tom Donnellan highlighting my concerns,” Ms Daly added.

Subsequently it was announced that the parking charge at Lough Boora was being lifted and Barbara Daly has welcomed that decision to scrap parking charges as a “welcome first step” in improving the iconic parkland.

The Fianna Fáil candidate for the Birr area had written to the Managing Director last week calling for major improvements and highlighting the costs attached to visit Lough Boora Discovery Park.

The announcement followed media coverage of her intervention.

In a statement she said: “I have highlighted the need for a strategic plan for Boora. Facilities need to be upgraded, pathways need to be improved and made accessible for all.

“Let’s hope BnaM put their shoulder to the wheel and ensure that summer visitors to West Offaly this year enjoy their visit and local people are able to visit this stunning amenity in comfort. This is a wonderful attraction and must be the cornerstone of any tourism plan for the Midlands.

“As a councillor I will advocate for a tourism policy which builds on our natural heritage, our deep rooted spiritual connections with early Christianity and our industrial heritage,” she said.