Major transport and footpath upgrades planned for town in Offaly

Offaly County Council has submitted a Part 8 planning application to An Bord Pleanála for major upgrades to the bus stops in Clara. 

The proposed works include the removal of existing footpaths on Church Street in Clara to accommodate new proposed bus pull-in areas, the construction of new footpath areas and kerbing as necessary to facilitate the introduction of new bus stops, and the modification of existing footpaths to accommodate new bus stop waiting and set-down areas for disabled access. 

If permission is granted, some traffic disruptions are likely to be expected as works take place. 

The application also proposes installation of new Kassal kerbing and pre-cast kerbing, the construction of two new bus shelters with public lighting, the installation of two new Real Time Passenger Information Poles (RTIs), logos and signage, the re-location and/or diversion of existing public services and utilities where necessary, the installation of new ducting to accommodate new services where required, road surfacing works, the installation of white lines, road markings and road signage, associated ancillary works, and the provision of appropriate landscaping works. 

The plans of the proposed scheme will be available for inspection (or purchase at a fee) for a period of four weeks from today (Thursday July 11) to August 12 during office hours at the following locations: 

• Offaly County Council, Aras an Chontae, Charleville Road, Tullamore, County Offaly. R35 F893 - Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.00pm.
• Tullamore Municipal District, Town Hall, Cormac Street, Tullamore, County Offaly, R35 WV59 - Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 1.00pm & 2.00pm to 4.00pm.

The plans are also available to view on the Offaly County Council website. 

Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the proposed development would be situated may be made before 4.00pm on Tuesday August 27. 

This can be addressed to Tom Shanahan, Director of Services, Roads Department, Offaly County Council, Charleville Road, Tullamore, County Offaly R35 F893, and clearly marked 'Part 8 - Proposed Re-Furbishment/ Upgrade of Existing Bus Stops at Church Street, Clara, Co. Offaly'. 

Offaly County Council has prepared an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening report as required.

On the basis of the screening report, Offaly County Council has determined that there is no real likelihood of significant effects on the environment.