Footbridge in Tullamore to remain closed until late October

The closure of the pedestrian bridge on Convent View in Tullamore is proving a major inconvenience for residents living in the area.

The shutting down is to facilitate work on the Greenway which involves the widening of the footpaths, undergrounding of cables and the development of a cycleway along Convent View. A one-way traffic system is currently in operation and no parking is allowed.

Resident Barry Lacomber said the closure of the footbridge is a big loss to people on his street and in the Davitt St, Callary St, Park Avenue and Thornsberry Estate areas, particularly the elderly.

"They now have a longer walk to get downtown or go to Mass," outlined the pensioner.

Ciaran Garry of Tower Civil Engineering, who are carrying out the work, said they are endeavouring to open the footbridge as quickly as possible.

He said the work is being done on a phased basis and the footpaths will be completed on October 21 next, this will allow the pedestrian bridge to reopen.

Resurfacing of the roads will take place in November. Following that the project will move onto the Kilbeggan Bridge and a one way traffic system will be in operation.

During the month of December construction will switch to the Kilbride area and return in January to the Kilbeggan bridge.