Tullamore Revamp - New Square Link, Remote hub, Pedestrian Routes and more

Design preparations are ongoing for the O'Connor Square/Market Square link in Tullamore.The link will incorporate a remote working hub to be located in the former Scanlon House on Church Street.

The link will embrace the historic ‘Hidden Bridge’ behind the Library over the river. It will provide an open space which will act as a pivotal connection between the two key squares. In addition it will also build on the existing remote working facilities in Tullamore.

John Connelly, senior executive engineer with Offaly County Council reported to the October Municipal District meeting that the working hub at Scanlon's House will be funded by URDF [Urban Regional Development Fund].

Other projects in the pipeline for Tullamore include Meath Lane. Mr Connelly reported to members that the building beside Meath Lane has been sold.''We have to wait for that sale to go through to engage with the new owner there,'' he added. The plan for Meath Lane is to provide an additional pedestrian route in the town and access to the amphitheatre of the Esker Arts Centre.

Meanwhile, the water feature at Lloyd Town Park has been commissioned and is completed,'' Mr Connelly told members.

Two bus shelters on William Street, in Tullamore are now finished. Bus shelters for Tubber are still at the public consultation stage.

Councillor Sean O'Brien said the bus shelters in Tullamore were very welcome and it was great to see progress there. ''We have all been looking for them for some time. Are there plans to extend them to Clonminch and Killeigh, he asked, adding that a lot of people take buses at these locations.

Mr Connelly said, ''there is a possibility we can do that. We have to see what funding is in place.''

Public consultation for Cox's Bridge traffic calming is also completed and the council proposes to bring it to the main county council meeting for adoption.

Councillor O'Brien said it was important to keep people ''on side'' in relation to Cox's Bridge.

''The last time we did work there it cut people off from the town. Businesses there are concerned that they would be cut off again. It's important that we keep traffic open and try to keep it moving,'' he added.

A further issue brought up at the meeting was in relation to shop signage over newly opened premises in Tullamore.

Councillor Declan Harvey said, ''I had a few people on to me. There are neon signs up and people say they are unsightly and are not in keeping with the town. They are not as attractive as the handwritten signs'' he said.

Senior Executive Engineer, John Connelly said it was a matter for the planning department.