Storm brewing in housing estate in Tullamore
A storm is brewing in the quiet residential estate of Pearse Park in Tullamore.
Residents there are outraged at plans by the council to remove a number of trees and a grassy bank along the canal which runs in front of their houses to make way for a cycle and pedestrian walkway.
The prospect of their beloved trees being removed and the altering of the canal banks has deeply disturbed many of those living there. They believe the trees and bank represent the heart and soul of the community and they fear it will erode the charm and character of the area.
The stretch is used by locals who enjoy walking under the mature trees along the bank, often with their dogs. In addition the residents say fishing clubs make good use of the facility. They also fear for the wildlife which nest along the canal banks.
Resident Michael McGrath says he cannot understand why the cycle and pedestrian way is not being brought along the Srah roadside which already has a well established walkway.
''It's total nonsense to decide to knock all those trees and put a greenway here when you already have a walkway and roadway on the other side,'' he said.
''People have two choices they can walk on the grass or walk on the tarmac on the other side.''
Mr McGrath described the other side as a ''fantastic amenity.'' One which he cycles himself regularly. He said the council maintains that by installing this new pedestrian/walkway people will not have to dismount their bikes if cycling the greenway which will stretch from Fiona's Way at Convent View to the far side of the Clara bridge.
''People have been getting off bikes and crossing bridges for a hundred years or more,'' maintained Mr McGrath.
Another resident who wished to remain anonymous is concerned about health and safety. She said there are five roads, Clara road, Srah road, Kilbride Street, O'Molloy Street and Pearse Park. She said the council are considering putting in a new junction which will make matters worse
Many of the residents were only made aware of what was happening in the last few days.
They say those living in the houses directly in front of the canal received letters earlier this year and it was up to them to tell everyone else.
A petition objecting to the move has been set up and is receiving strong support.
A meeting between the residents and the council is due to take place next Tuesday June 20.
Offaly County Council has issued a statement regarding the matter.
''As part of the construction of the Greenway along the Grand Canal through Offaly, Offaly County Council are at the stage now where the Urban Section is to be constructed through Tullamore.
The overall objective is to provide a safe and scenic cycle and walking route for all patrons along the canal bank and through the town of Tullamore.
The section of Canal bank adjacent to Pearse Park has been chosen as part of this route because it provides sufficient space to facilitate a 3m wide shared cycle and walking path for Greenway users achieving the objective of separating users from vehicular traffic, there is insufficient space on the opposite side of the canal to achieve this.
Keeping the route on the Pearse Park side of the canal also reduces the risk to the greenway users when navigating the junction at Cox’s bridge whereby they do not have to cross over the bridge and this route then brings those traveling from the west into Kilbride where they will be encouraged to dismount from bicycles and spend time in the hearth of the town.
Works requirements
To achieve the shared surface on the Canal bank the existing trees along the canal bank will have to be removed to allow the cycleway to be constructed.
To support the cycle path the existing blockwork wall will be removed and replaced with a retaining wall with a timber post and rail fence on top.
Offaly County Council plans to replace each tree removed and additional trees in existing green areas adjacent to Pearse Park in agreement with the residents.
Offaly County Council have agreed to hold an information meeting on Tuesday next 20/06/23 in the Municipal District offices at 6:00pm to allow residents to view the plans for the greenway.''