Pearse Park trees to remain says local Councillor

Local Independent Cllr, Sean O'Brien, has said a dozen mature trees along the banks of the canal in a Tullamore housing estate "will not be removed" after a breakthrough was achieved in a row between residents and Offaly County Council over the proposed route of the new urban greenway through the town.

Despite the breakthrough, the residents of Pearse Park, and the adjoining areas of O'Molloy Street and Marian Place "will continue their campaign of other issues" in relation to the proposed Greenway, according to the Cllr.

"The residents have welcomed the news that the council will not remove the trees along the canal banks near Pearse Park" said Cllr O'Brien, who said this decision was made at a special meeting of Tullamore Municipal District which took place on Friday last.

"The tender for a contractor to undertake works relating to the new Urban Greenway will be advertised within the next two weeks but the contract will exclude the area from Cox's Bridge to the Scouts Den" explained Cllr O'Brien, who added that the council have made a decision to "look at this area again in the future but whatever works are carried out the trees will not be removed." He said the residents of Pearse Park and their supporters "can be proud of achieving this outcome."

"This project was approved by the last Council and it was decided that the proposed Pedestrian Bridge near Lock 28 would not be constructed. This would have given the option to use the existing Cycle Track near Sragh Road and cyclists could have crossed over this bridge if they wished to continue their journey further. No Environmental Impact Analysis was carried out as the Council decided that it was not required. Clearly there was no plan at that stage to remove the trees at Pearse Park" continued Cllr O' Brien.

The local Cllr said future plans for the area include a new pedestrian crossing and traffic control measures at Cox's Bridge, and he said it is "essential" that public consultation takes place on the design of this junction as it will affect residents in Pearse Park, O' Molloy St., Marian Place, Kilbride St., Sragh Road, Clara Road, Clontarf Road and the many motorists and pedestrians who use this bridge on a daily basis.

"I have previously sought a pedestrian crossing in Kilbride St. and I will continue to pursue this on behalf of the residents. It is vital that the Council continue to liaise with the residents and allay any fears that they have about future developments in the area" concluded Cllr O' Brien