Offaly skyline set to change forever as iconic landmark set to be taken down

Offaly skyline to change forever as landmark structure set to come down

placeholder image — Offaly skyline to change forever as landmark structure set to come down

A well known landmark in Offaly is due to be toppled in a controlled demolition next week.

RTE’s 296 metre high Medium Wave(WW) transmitter tower near Tullamore in Co Offaly has been in operation since 1975.

Topped with lights to make it visible to aircraft, the tower is a familiar sight in the midlands and would be well known to motorists and users of the Grand Canal in and around Tullamore.

In 2021, RTE issued a tender for “the controlled demolition of the 296m Medium Wave (MW) mast at Tullamore Co. Offaly. All elements of the structure must be removed from site to an approved recycling centre including the Mast Structure, Guy Wires, Insulators, Steel Anchors and Fencing. The concrete mast and guy anchor bases can remain in place.”

Waterways Ireland issued a notice to users of the canal advising of a temporary closure while the demolition is in progress on Tuesday, July 25.

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“Waterways Ireland wishes to advise Masters of Vessels and users of the Grand Canal of the temporary closure of the canal from Campbell’s Bridge, Ballycommon, (adjacent to Lock 21) to Lock 22, for 2.5 hrs on July 25, 2023,” the stated.

“This temporary closure is to facilitate the removal of the RTE mast at Ballycommon. The towpath and navigation will be closed from 10.30am to 1pm. There will be an exclusion zone around the work site,” they added.