Popular Longford tourism amenity in line to add state of the art outdoor sauna facility to its ranks

Lebeen Park in Aughnacliffe is readily viewed as being one of the midlands county's top recreational destinations of choice, offering stunning walking trails, outdoor gym facilities and sprawling playground facilities.

Set up in 2003, the venue which overlooks the north Longford village's idyllic shores of Lough Lebeen, has previously been the subject of state backed funding under the Government's Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).

Those financial supports has enabled the facility to expand its all-round appeal, most notably last September with the opening of a new 4.2km walkway.

Now, it would appear local committee members have set their sights on supplementing its continued growth by adding an outdoor sauna together with changing room facilities.

Firecracker Sauna Ltd have tabled plans with Longford County Council to that effect in what it says will offer an "eco-friendly wellness facility" while also providing users with a "unique and sustainable sauna experience".

Part of that experience its developers hope to bring to fruition include the provision of a wood-fired facility together with the construction of a separate structure for changing facilities and a reception area.

The firm says the facility will be accessible a boardwalk with sessions being taken via an online booking system.

Opening hours have been set aside for Thursday and Friday evenings with a receptionist being on site to take bookings for weekend and bank holiday appointments.

"Firecracker Sauna is intended to be a wellness facility offering sauna sessions to the public, with a focus on relaxation, health, and connection with nature," a planning statement outlined.

"The sauna experience is designed to be both a tourist attraction and a community resource, enhancing the local tourism offering while providing a unique recreational activity."

A final decision on the plans is expected to be made by November 5.