Full pedestrianisation of O'Connor Square in Tullamore should be a priority

The full pedestrianisation of O'Connor Square in Tullamore should be a priority for Offaly County Council according to a leading architect and town planner.

Tullamore native, Fergal McCabe sets out his vision for the square in a letter to the Editor of the Tullamore Tribune published in this week's edition.

Mr MacCabe writes:

Dear Sir,

Offaly County Council has published its Draft Tullamore Local Transport Plan and set a deadline of 23rd March for the public to offer their views.

This is an excellent and well reasoned comprehensive vision for a future Tullamore. A linked public transport network, safe walking routes to school and dedicated cycle paths will create a more attractive environment, while essential car parking will be well located and accessible. It will take years to fully implement, but it is a great start and an excellent precursor to the anticipated Urban Area Plan for the town.

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However, the Transport Plan suggests that in the short term much of the parking be removed from Market Square and be replaced by public areas and planting, while in the longer term O’Connor Square might possibly be fully pedestrianised. I strongly urge that this timing should be reversed.

O’Connor Square is the premier public arena of Offaly and the central focus of Tullamore. It is where great events - the return of victorious teams and the election of a Taoiseach - are celebrated. It contains some of the town’s finest architecture and its public library. The pedestrianisation of its northern side has been a great success and its image has become a calling card in the promotion of the town. The imminent link to Church Street will increase its attractiveness. It is a lot more than just a car park.

I believe that the full pedestrianisation and landscaping of O’Connor Square should be an early priority, especially now that the recently opened Tanyard to High Street vehicular link has made the route through it redundant.

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Before embarking on an expensive scheme to remove the very convenient pay parking in Market Square and turn this backland space into a planted plaza which, given its relative lack of active commercial frontages and busy public through routes, seems a dubious proposition, the undoubted success of the infinitely more vibrant O’Connor Square should be exploited as soon as possible.

I urge those who agree with me that the full pedestrianisation of O’Connor Square should be an early priority, to make their submissions to activetravel@offalycoco.ie by the 23rd March.

Yours Sincerely

Fergal MacCabe

4 Summerhill Parade

Sandycove

Co. Dublin