Work starts on paving of new Grand Canal footpath near Offaly town centre

THE laying of paving on the widened footpath on the Convent View stretch of the Grand Canal Greenway in Tullamore commenced this week.

Work has been progressing at a fast pace over the past number of weeks on the stretch of greenway linking Kilbeggan bridge and the eastern end of Convent View.

Earlier this week paving work commenced at the entrance to the footbridge linking Convent View to Convent Road and is expected to continue next week on both sides.

On Saturday morning work also started on the stretch of the greenway at its eastern edge adjacent to the Fiona Pender Memorial.

A one-way system remains in place along Convent View and the footbridge linking the street to Convent Road on the other side of the canal will remain closed for health and safety reasons while work continues in the area.

It was due to open again to the public at the end of October but it is understood it will reopen in the coming weeks.

No parking on Convent View is allowed during the duration of the works though residents, with permits, can park on nearby Store St and St Brigid's Place.

The new one way system runs east to west along Convent View and vehicles travelling in a west to east direction are being diverted through Davitt St, Callary St and the by-pass.

The works at Convent View include widening of footpaths to two metres along the canal bank, the installation of a cycle path, undergrounding of cables and street enhancement, new paving and kerbs, road realignment, resurfacing and relining, traffic calming features, signage and new lighting.

The Grand Canal Urban Greenway project, funded under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, will complement the previously completed URDF funded Tullamore Town Centre enhancement works, a statement from Offaly County Council said.

"This will effectively provide an attractive and easily accessible vibrant town centre destination for all greenway users which will in turn benefit all local businesses."

Chief Executive of Offaly County Council, Anna Marie Delaney, explained: “These works will complete the Grand Canal greenway through Offaly, a total distance of 70kms, and are an integral part of the proposed Greenway link from the Grand Canal Dock Dublin to Shannon Harbour in west Offaly.”

"The completion of these works will further strengthen Offaly’s tourism offering as greenway users will be spoilt for choice. Both new and returning visitors to Tullamore will experience a wealth of attractions, enhanced public realm features while also being an enhanced amenity for local users."