As reported in the Offaly Express, Offaly County Council announced that the consultation process for the Tullamore Harbour Masterplan and the Tullamore Regeneration Project, two eagerly awaited projects, will begin on June 10 2024. The public will have the opportunity to make submissions until July 8 2024. Ed: July 25 2024
Grand Canal Urban Greenway Tullamore – Contracts Signed Offaly County Council on June 7 2024 state …. the Grand Canal Urban Greenway project, funded under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, will bring the Grand Canal Greenway to Tullamore Town Centre at Kilbeggan Bridge while complementing the previously completed URDF funded Tullamore Town Centre enhancement works (completed in 2020). 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.
The works under this contract comprise of the construction of the Grand Canal Greenway urban section through Tullamore from Convent View to Cox’s Bridge and the 28th Lock to Sragh Bridge totalling 2.6kms. This project is the final connecting piece of works to combine two elements of previous projects carried out by Offaly County Council, namely the Tullamore Public Realm Enhancement scheme and the Offaly Grand Canal Greenway.
The works include widening of footpaths along the canal bank, undergrounding of cables and street enhancement, new paving and kerbs, road realignment, resurfacing and relining, traffic calming features, signage and lighting.
Chief Executive of Offaly County Council, Anna Marie Delaney, confirmed “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.
Kenny Lyons & Associates are Project Designers and Tower Civils have been awarded the construction contract with works scheduled to commence in the coming weeks.
The excellent Offaly History Blog now has 60 pieces of interest to Canal, River Shannon and heritage boat enthusiasts.
Recent additions include: 1801 observations on the Grand Canal and the River Shannon – Charles Coote, Hillforts in County Offaly – John Dolan, Grand Canal Minutes from 1900 to 1950 – Ger Scully, the Golder Era of Shannon Steamers – McNeill, 1834 travels on a River Shannon Steamboat – Henry Inglis, Banagher’s literary associations, and the life of John Killaly by Ron Cox.