Redwood Estate Tullamore 'taken in charge' others left in limbo

The Redwood Estate in Tullamore is to be officially ''taken in charge'' by Offaly County Council, following a recommendation from the Director of Services for Tullamore, Paul McLoughlin.

Mr McLoughlin confirmed that the process had been publicly advertised, with members of the public given until May 2 to make submissions. ''None were received,'' he told the meeting, adding that the estate met all the necessary requirements to proceed.

The move was warmly welcomed by local councillors, who praised both the standard of the development and the work of the builders.

''You could travel all over Ireland and you wouldn't see a better estate in terms of design and layout,'' said Councillor Neil Feighery. ''It has won architectural awards and is built to a high standard by Capital Homes, led by the Sheerin family. I'm very happy to propose taking charge of this estate and I wish the developers well.''

His proposal was seconded by Councillor Declan Harvey, who voiced his support,but also raised wider concerns.

''Redwood is still an unfinished site, with further houses to be built,'' he noted. ''There are a number of well-established estates in Tullamore that previously asked to be taken in charge. I know the director is going to come back and say this, that, and the other wasn't done, but some of these estates have everything right and still haven't been considered. While I welcome Redwood, I wish you would look at a few others too. I can talk to you after the meeting about where they are.''

Councillor Sean O'Brien also supported Redwood, describing it as a ''fantastic development and a good company.'' But he echoed concerns about delays elsewhere. ''Like Cllr Harvey, I have concerns about other estates in Tullamore. These issues have been ongoing not just for months, but for years. We need to progress them in whatever way possible, as soon as possible.''

He pointed to Hophill as a prime example. ''People up there are very frustrated. It’s affected their properties, the state of their paths and roads. There are a lot of issues. I would ask management to consider Hophill an absolute priority and see if we can progress it as soon as possible.''

Councillor Aoife Masterson also expressed concern, particularly for the Eiscer Meadows and Hophill areas. ''Not having the council in charge is having a detrimental effect on the maintenance of footpaths,” she said. ''It also poses a health and safety risk when we can't maintain footpaths or install speed ramps or control signs. There is a large number of children in Eiscer Meadows and no 'children at play' signs. It affects the value of the properties as well.''

Responding, Mr McLoughlin said Redwood was a ''model estate,'' with all conditions fully met. ''Unfortunately, with other estates on the waiting list, certain legal clarifications and provisions have not yet been met. There is a healthy list to be taken in charge and we will continue that process. We are not in any way trying to slow it down. There is a certain standard that must be reached, and once that is met, we are happy to advertise them.''

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Cllr Harvey pointed out that in some cases, ''developers are no longer with us.There’s a piece of work to be done. People are frustrated. They’ve done a lot of work, maybe they’re missing one piece of the puzzle, and they’re put on the back burner. I’m delighted for Redwood, but not happy for others.''

Cllr Leahy said the matter would be back on the agenda in September and urged councillors to bring forward lists of estates for consideration.