New link road will aid retail and business development in Offaly town

WORK is set to commence on the new road linking High St and the Tanyard in Tullamore.

Contractors have been on-site for the past fortnight and work is scheduled to start this week, Cllr Declan Harvey has revealed.

The new road and the introduction of a new one-way system from the Tanyard to O'Connor Square will allow for the development of the Tanyard and the former Carroll’s and Coen's sites, a statement from Offaly County Council maintained.

Meanwhile a one- way traffic management system is being put in place this week as work is set to start on the extension of the Grand Canal Greenway from Kilbeggan Bridge to the eastern end of Convent View in Tullamore.

Work was due to commence on Monday last and will continue for at least ten weeks though it could take longer, Cllr Harvey admitted.

During this period no parking on Convent View will be allowed though residents, with permits, can park on nearby Store St and St Brigid's Place.

The new one way system runs east to west along Convent View and vehicles travelling in a west to east direction will be diverted though Davitt St, Callary St and the by-pass.

The works at Convent View include widening of footpaths to two metres along the canal bank, undergrounding of cables and street enhancement, new paving and kerbs, road realignment, resurfacing and relining, traffic calming features, signage and new lighting.

The Grand Canal Urban Greenway project, funded under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, will complement the previously completed URDF funded Tullamore Town Centre enhancement works, a statement from Offaly County Council said.

"This will effectively provide an attractive and easily accessible vibrant town centre destination for all greenway users which will in turn benefit all local businesses."

Chief Executive of Offaly County Council, Anna Marie Delaney, confirmed: “These works will complete the Grand Canal greenway through Offaly, a total distance of 70kms, and are an integral part of the proposed Greenway link from the Grand Canal Dock Dublin to Shannon Harbour in west Offaly.”

"The completion of these works will further strengthen Offaly’s tourism offering as greenway users will be spoilt for choice. Both new and returning visitors to Tullamore will experience a wealth of attractions, enhanced public realm features while also being an enhanced amenity for local users."