Offaly County Council has set out a new masterplan for Banagher Marina and its surrounding area.
It is hoped that the masterplan will drive the social and economic development of the area which has been lacking in investment for decades.
The plan is aimed at growing the area as a community and tourism destination.
Features of the proposals for the Irish marina include the provision of public moorings, parking spaces, and car and trailer parking, potential expansion for the boat hire yard and developing the existing marina with a new board walk for barge or tour boat access.
There is also a space for a new business opportunity of a dedicated boat launch area.
The masterplan states that ‘improved and safer facilities for canoe, kayak and SUP launching, are to be provided as part of Waterway’s Ireland’s plans to upgrade the Harbour area and expand the infrastructure for existing and future water-based activities in Banagher’.
The masterplan also proposes to restrict parking around the area of Banagher Marina itself through the provision of dedicated parking spaces. Seasonal bollards will also be used to restrict vehicular access to the marina at peak times.
The measures are intended to balance the requirements of commercial operators with the need to create a more pedestrian friendly environment, making the marina area a destination in its own right.
The plan was prepared by P lace + Urbanism and CHL Consulting, who worked in close partnership with Offaly County Council and a broad Steering Group of local stakeholders.
