Tullamore on-hold while it awaits two major plans to transform the town

Tullamore still awaits the unveiling of two potentially transformative projects for the town.

The Harbour Masterplan and the Tullamore Regeneration Framework.

Both these initiatives hold the promise of revitalising Tullamore and injecting new life into the local economy.

Contracts for both were signed in 2022 with the middle of 2023 earmarked for delivery and public consultation. However here we are in 2024 and apart from Waterways Ireland indicating that they are ''reviewing'' the Masterplan for the harbour which was drawn up by the award winning Grafton Architects, no real progress has been reported and a date has still not been set for public consultation.

Plans for the Harbour include the relocation of the Waterways Ireland Operational Depot to a greenfield site 1km east of Tullamore at Cappincur. Work is due to begin on the Depot next month.

At the time of the contracts being signed for these projects. Senior Executive Officer with Offaly County Council, Jean Ryan said: ''The Tullamore Harbour site has potential as a transformational urban development site for Tullamore, encompassing a multiplicity of possible business, innovation, residential and amenity uses.

The Grand Canal Harbour is located within the oldest heritage quarter of the town and has long been identified by Waterways Ireland and Offaly County Council as having significant development potential to become a compelling waterfront space for residents, citizens, visitors, and enterprises, accessible by water, cycling, and walking,'' she said.

The Tullamore Regeneration Framework is to provide a vision for Tullamore, a plan for future public realm, regeneration and renewal opportunities for delivering future integrated urban developments for Tullamore by both the public and private sectors.

''The Framework will set the vision for the development of a number of key opportunity sites, delivered to make for a strong town centre with sustainable access and permeability in the Town.''

No date has been set for public consultation on this plan either.

The latest development proposed by Cayenne Holdings Ltd for the former Tesco and Quinnsworth site would appear to tie in with Offaly County Council's vision for this ''key opportunity site'' in the county development plan.

The council states that ''... increased building height is a significant component in making optimal use of the capacity of sites in urban locations where transport, employment, services or retail development can achieve a requisite level of intensity for sustainability. While taller buildings will bring much needed additional housing and economic development, they can also assist in reinforcing and contributing to a sense of place within a town centre.''

Many people feel Tullamore is stagnating and that towns such as Athlone and Portlaoise are passing it by. They feel a sense of urgency is needed to usher in a new era of growth, prosperity and pride for all who call the town their home.

The Financial Times has named the Midlands as European Region of the Future and Athlone one of the top 10 'Micro European Cities of the Future'. Tullamore needs to place itself in a strong position to take advantage of any opportunities that may arise if this prediction is correct. Part of this is the development of the harbour and the Texas/Tesco site. More housing is also needed to attract workers to the town.

If there is another recession all these plans could fall by the wayside. The current plans for the former Texas and Tesco sites are not the first. Businessman Eamon Duignan had major plans for the area before the downturn in 2008 and his proposals never came to fruition.

The town cannot afford to wait any longer. Tullamore is an attractive place, its people are friendly and it has retained a strong community ethos.

It has a lot to offer, but if it stands still it will experience stagnation and decline as it watches neighbouring towns forge ahead leaving it in their rear view mirror.