Plan must not turn historic canal harbour in Offaly 'into a haven for developers'
Tullamore native recalls happy childhood fishing, paddling and walking around the serene waters of town's harbour
A WELL known Tullamore architect had written to the Editor of the Tullamore Tribune asking for a sensitive, community centred development of the town's canal arbour.
Frank Murray recalls a happy childhood spent fishing in and playing around the "serene waters" of the harbour.
His letter reads as follows:
Dear Editor,
In the heart of Tullamore, lies the Canal Harbour, a place steeped in history and memories. As discussions about its proposed redevelopment flood the newspapers, I feel compelled to share my thoughts on this matter.
The harbour holds a special place in my heart. I recall the days of fishing, walking, and playing around its serene waters. In the early 70s, we crafted timber kit canoes and paddled through the canal and harbour, creating unforgettable memories. The great fire in the canal stores, with flames reaching skyward, is etched in my memory. For years after, corks from the fire floated in the canal, providing us with endless supplies for fishing floats. The harbour belonged to the people.
Over the years, there has been much talk about upgrading the harbour. I remember a friend showing me a photograph of a discussion about the harbour's plans over 25 years ago. Despite grandiose drawings and plans nothing substantial has happened.
Now, a major development proposal threatens to transform our beloved harbour into a haven for developers. This is not what we need. For-profit proposals of this scale will only serve to plunge the harbour into the bowels of the planning "system", and may never be realised. To allow this public amenity to fall into the hands of developers and become the private pond of vulture fund financed residential apartments would ensure it remains lost to the people of Tullamore forever.
Instead, we need Waterways Ireland to move out, allow the boats back into the harbour and take down the wall. Modest cleaning and landscaping, simple additions like seating, picnic benches, planting and public lighting would invite the people of Tullamore back to the harbour. Removing the walls would reveal the true essence of Harbour Street, reminding us why it bears its name. Space in the existing buildings could be allocated to public amenities such as the Tullamore Canoe Club. The harbour is a valuable public amenity and not an opportunistic development site.
Certain sections of the harbour site could be developed independently, preserving the harbour's charm. If it succumbs to major development as a block, it will be years before the people of Tullamore can enjoy this wonderful amenity that has been part of our town since 1790 if it ever happens at all.
The modest improvements I propose could have been achieved with the funds spent on recent architectural studies. It's time to give our harbour back to the people of Tullamore, allowing them to cherish and enjoy it once more.
Yours sincerely,
Frank Murray.
Architect MRIAI.
Tullamore