Major changes on way for number of streets in Tullamore

COMMENTS are being sought from the public on proposals for major changes to the junctions, footpaths and roads at Kilbride Street/O'Molloy Street/Pearse Park and Clara Road/Clontarf Road/Arden View in Tullamore.

Under a plan drawn up by Offaly County Council, traffic coming from Kilbride Street or the Clara Road bridge (Cox's Bridge) will no longer be permitted to turn into the Kilbride Park Road behind the Mallet Tavern.

The council is proposing a new 'raised table' pedestrian crossing on Kilbride Street at that point, along with another similar new pedestrian crossing about 100 metres closer to the town centre between Fox's shop and the Lantern (Kilbride Street pictured below). Both will be controlled by Belisha (orange) beacon lights.

An 'uncontrolled crossing' is proposed for the top of O'Molloy Street, where it meets Kilbride Street.

A similar crossing is planned for the entrance to Pearse Park close to the Clara Road bridge.

On Clara Road itself, near the entrance to Colton Motors, work will be done on the road to create a new 'slow zone' and generate what the council calls a 'speed reduction environment'.

There will be a raised table uncontrolled new pedestrian crossing parallel with the Clara Road, opposite the entrance to Arden View.

A landscape area is proposed for the corner of the land (right of the picture below) between Clara Road and the Clontarf Road.

At Dolan's Gala on the Clara Road there will be a new pedestrian crossing with a raised table on the road, controlled by a Belisha beacon.

A pedestrian priority zone will be created on the footpath between the Colton's and Dolan's sites and the footpath from Dolan's out the Clara Road will be refurbished.

The overall project will also include new kerbing, road line markings and road signage.

The plan is available for inspection and copying at Offaly County Council, Aras an Chontae, Charleville Road and Tullamore Municipal District, Town Hall, Cormac Street until this Friday, August 23.

It will remain available for viewing on the Offaly County Council website (www.offaly.ie) and submissions, comments and observations can be made by the public until Monday, September 9 at 4pm.

Submissions should be sent to Tom Shanahan, Director of Services, Roads Department, Offaly County Council, Charleville Road, Tullamore, County Offaly, R35 F893, and the council is asking that they be clearly marked “Part 8 -Proposed Traffic Calming Measures – Clara Road / Clontarf Road, Junction, O’Molloy Street / Pearse Park Junction & Kilbride Street, Tullamore, County Offaly”.

The public consultation is being carried out under Part 8 of the Planning & Development Regulations which facilitates comments on developments proposed by local authorities.