Tanyard/High Street link in Tullamore to finish this week creating more connectivity

A key piece of Tullamore’s traffic improvement scheme is nearing completion, as the long-awaited Tanyard/High Street link is set to be finished this week.

Final surfacing works are underway today (Monday June 16), with crews beginning the last stretch outside Oisín O’Sullivan Furniture. Senior Executive Engineer Joe Dooley confirmed the works were deliberately scheduled to coincide with the shop’s Monday closure to minimise disruption.

Wet weather delayed some elements of the project, but Joe Dooley assured that the top "wearing course" — the final layer of road surfacing, will be laid imminently. “We’re hopeful most of the work will be finished up by Wednesday,” he said, adding that new road markings and signage will follow to guide motorists through the updated traffic flow.

The project is designed to create a more streamlined route into the heart of town.Vehicles will now enter O’Connor Square via the newly constructed road through Roselawn and exit onto High Street. Accessibility has also been a priority, with fully wheelchair-compliant footpaths, tactile paving, raised crossings, and dropped kerbs already in place.

More Links on the Horizon

While the Tanyard/High Street connection nears completion, attention is turning to other strategic links in the town. The Tanyard/Church Street proposal remains with the design team, but Mr Dooley says the architects are close to finalising the documents. The vision includes a new pedestrian link behind the library, highlighting a hidden bridge to Church Street. Councillors are expected to get a first look at the detailed plans at their next meeting.

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Elsewhere in the town centre, progress continues on Meath Lane — the narrow alleyway off High Street. The Council is waiting on a private owner to complete the “superstructure” before moving ahead with the link to the Esker Arts Centre.

Meanwhile, tender documents for the Acres Folly project are due to be issued later this month, with hopes of completing the development by year’s end. Local residents living near the site have requested the addition of a gate to provide better rear access to their properties and sheds. Cathaoirleach Councillor Declan Harvey raised the issue, and Mr Dooley said he will look into it.