First look at stunning planned development in Offaly town as contractors sought

A stunning 3D rendering of a library and public amenity development planned for Edenderry has been released as contractors are sought for the multi-million Euro project.

Offaly County Council has published the construction tender for the redevelopment of 33/34 JKL Street, the former Tesco Supermarket site into a new town centre, a development consisting of a newly constructed library and arts space with outdoor programming areas.

The development also includes a new pedestrian and cycle connection from JKL Street to Blundell Avenue and to the greater Blundell Area, site boundary treatment, enabling works and public realm improvements including biodiversity landscaping, accessible parking, and an urban plaza with seating.

A Rural Regeneration Development Fund of €12.2m was secured in 2024 by Offaly County Council for this development with match funding required from Offaly County Council of 20% from Offaly County Council’s own resources from both Development Contributions and Local Property Tax.

Speaking this week, Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr John Leahy said, “It is great to reach the milestone of publishing this tender today, it can be frustrating for communities waiting to see plans turn into delivered projects on the ground, and with a large-scale project like this going to tender, it proves real project delivery. This investment in Edenderry will further enhance the town’s potential as an attractive and sustainable place to live, work and visit with a new build Community Library and Arts Base a very welcome addition to the town.”

Cllr Liam Quinn, Cathaoirleach of Edenderry Municipal District said, “I am delighted for the town of Edenderry with the announcement of the tender being published and I would like to thank the Minister, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Offaly County Council Regeneration, Library and Municipal District staff and the design team, Worthwhile Architecture that have progressed the project to this important stage.”

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The Chief Executive of Offaly County Council, Anna Marie Delaney said, “I welcome the positive news of the tender being published for the redevelopment of the old Tesco site in Edenderry, which, when delivered will contribute to the social and economic revival of the town, as well as addressing the challenge of vacancy and dereliction. Provision of a modern, purpose designed Community Library and Arts Base is a key action in the overall redevelopment of this significant site, providing enhanced permeability to surrounding areas and will complement other positive redevelopments already delivered such as the e-Hive, O’Connell Square public realm works, the creation of Blundell Avenue and the new inner relief road.”

Offaly County Librarian, Eimear McGinn, welcomed the project’s progress and noted: “This will allow Offaly Library Service to deliver significant and meaningful cultural, educational and social benefits to the local communities in the Edenderry area when constructed. The planned facility will offer dedicated and sizeable children’s, teen and adult libraries providing quality reading collections and high-speed connectivity to our digital services and resources. The inspiring design will incorporate welcoming leisure reading areas and meeting rooms, a dedicated Sensory Space, Study area, a Changing Places Bathroom, and a generous multipurpose programming space for library and arts service events.”

The tender was published on September 12, the deadline for receipt of tender submissions is Monday, October 20, 2025. The Tender Evaluation Committee will then assess tenders received with the hope of appointing a contractor by the end of 2025. It is envisaged that construction will commence in early 2026.