One way system introduced in centre of Tullamore

A one-way system will be in place in the centre of Tullamore for the next six months as the towns undergoes the first phase of a €3 million facelift.

The temporary one way- system on Bridge Street and High Street came into operation on Wednesday of this week and will be in place until the end of June. Traffic travelling inbound from Cormac Street and O'Moore Street is being redirected.

The implementation of the one-way system marks the start of the year long town enhancement project. The first phase, which is the works to High Street and Bridge Street, will involve the undergrounding of the existing overhead wires together with the removal of existing poles. The existing street lighting will be replaced with new feature light poles.

Once the works progress past the Tara Street entrance, two-way traffic will be facilitated between O’Moore Street and Tara Street only to allow local traffic access to the Bridge Centre carpark.

The Cathaoirleach of Tullamore Municipal District Cllr Declan Harvey says that it is inevitable that the works will lead to some disruption for people.

“It is going to cause a lot of confusion at the start but people will have to get use to it. The work will be ongoing for at least 12 months. It is a major job with over €3 million being spent on things like putting cables underground and widening and narrowing paths. It is a big undertaking.

“People will have to be patient. As the old cliche goes, you can't make an omelette without breaking eggs. Some parts might be more difficult than others.”

 The project, which is jointly funded by Offaly County Council and the European Union, will also include the enhancement of O'Connor Square and the construction of a new pedestrian bridge from Millennium Square to the Bridge Street Car Park.