All systems go for multi-million euro development of Tullamore Harbour

Waterways Ireland is on track to move to new headquarters in Cappincur by 2026 according to Regional Manager Patrick Harkin.

Speaking at the monthly Tullamore Municipal District meeting, Mr Harkin revealed that after an initial lack of responses to the tender for the building of their new depot, a second round of bids in August generated significant interest.

''We are evaluating those tenders this week and we are hoping to be in a position to make a recommendation around a preferred bidder next week and possibly signing a contract by the end of October,'' he said.

Most of the contractors estimate the project will take 14 to 16 months. ''So perhaps in April, May or June of 2026 we will be vacating the site and at that stage we will be moving out to a purpose built site in Cappincur,'' said Mr Harkin.

Once the move is completed the harbour site will then be ready for further development in accordance with the Harbour Masterplan.

Waterways Ireland is already exploring the development of a spur line to cater for visiting boats. This was a suggestion from public feedback during the Masterplan consultation period. The development would include service blocks and jetties.

Earlier Orla Martin, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Offaly, highlighted the positive public reception to the Harbour Masterplan, noting. ''We had 16 written observations and submissions all largely in support of the Masterplan. Some had suggestions regarding the facilities in the short term, looking at essential services for the greenway and waterways users. Observations were made about residential and visiting boats, preserving the heritage of the dry docks, tourism potential and the potential of Young's Stores. They were reviewed by Waterways Ireland. Offaly County Council and Grafton Architects. None of the submissions required a change to the plan, they were just observations, noted Ms Martin.

''A lot were very positive, a lot of them had observations that were really useful when we go to develop any of the projects,'' she noted.

An environmental assessment by Brady Shipman Martin concluded that the Masterplan would have no significant negative impact on the environment

Councillor Neil Feighery asked how the project will be funded. Orla Martin suggested that Urban Regeneration and Development Funding could be a source.

Patrick Harkin said Failte Ireland could be a good source for them along with funding under 'Just Transition' though the latter expires in August 2026, he said.

''Our first priority is to get the six to seven million euro Depot in Cappincur built through our own Department and then try looking at funding options for developing the spur line and other sections,'' he said.

Councillor Frank Moran, Cathaoirleach of Tullamore Municipal District asked if the site will remain in the ownership of Waterways Ireland. Orla Martin said that 91% is owned by Waterways and 9% by Offaly County Council, but added that another decision could be taken in the future.

Councillor Declan Harvey commented that in the drawings presented for the Harbour Masterplan, St Mary'sYouth Centre Gym is missing. He asked if this was part of the plan. He said this is very important financially to the youth club.

This was addressed by Director of Services with Offaly County Council, Jean Ryan who said the architects had a brief to show what the Harbour could look like. They did it in a suite of 12 projects. ''We certainly wouldn't be proposing to take out the gym unless it was an absolutely fabulous idea and there were other options available for the gym. It's not on the table for now. It would be full public consultation, full planning, full detail design if we were ever to get that far. At the moment St Mary's is its own and it's not part of the Harbour Development,'' she added.

Waterway's Ireland's ambitious move to Cappincur and the planned development of the harbour signals a new era for waterways infrastructure.