An Bord Pleanála has given the green light to Tayto Park for a new €15.5 million “Coaster 2021” rollercoaster for the theme park.
This clears the way for the construction of the rollercoaster which comprises a 31m high and 748m long suspended thrill coaster and a 24.2m high, 238m long family boomerang ride.
The decision brings to an end a planning battle lasting two years and four months as Tayto Park-owner Raymond Coyle sought to secure permission for the new attraction.
A previous rollercoaster proposed for Tayto Park was refused planning permission in July 2019 by the appeals board, due in part to the noise impact of people’s screams on local residents’ properties.
The board has now overruled its own inspector, Dolores McCague, who recommended that planning permission be refused for the new project, again due to the noise impact and the consequent effect on property values.
Mr Coyle’s Ashbourne Visitor Centre Ltd’s revised plan provides for a €1.5 million spend on 14 separate noise-reduction methods.
In her report Ms McCague said the application did not reveal the noise impact from screaming by patrons on the rollercoaster.
Ms McCague said: “A scream is a primitive sound, calling out danger and shouting for help. It is a particularly distinctive sound. Screaming has a much more visceral impact on the listener than any other sound.”
She also recommended that planning permission be refused as the development would exacerbate the capacity and congestion issues on the N2.
Adequate
However, the board found that the proposed development would not have an adverse impact on population and human health associated with noise.
The board said it was satisfied that the mitigation measures proposed were adequate and acceptable. The board also found that the proposal would not exacerbate the current identified capacity and congestion issues on the N2.
The board decision upholds a decision by Meath County Council to grant planning permission for the project last year.
Mr Coyle has promised that any screams from patrons will be drowned out.
The rollercoaster designers reoriented the tracks to direct noise back into the park and away from housing in the area. Other noise-reducing design features include three tunnels, underground sections, extensive planting of trees, shrubbery and foliage and a sound barrier.
