Contracts signed for Tullamore Living River project

Work is expected to start shortly on the Tullamore Living River project which aims to enhance the water quality and wildlife value of Tullamore river and provide a natural amenity area within the town.

A constructed wetland with a raised area will be provided on a derelict site adjacent to the River near Kilcruttin, it is also intended that the wider project will include localised riverside enhancements in various locations throughout Tullamore.

The works will lead to some improvements in water quality and will be used as a springboard to work in tandem with other catchment-wide measures. In parallel with water quality enhancements, the measures will help to provide wetland habitat for flora and fauna within the Tullamore River as it flows through the town, thus bolstering local aquatic and riparian biodiversity. The project will also help to fulfill Offaly's commitments in the Offaly Climate Adaptation Plan by providing carbon sequestration potential in the proposed wetland areas. The measures of the Tullamore Living River Project are designed to maximise the habitat value for riparian wildlife, and to enhance the area for biodiversity.

From a wider environmental perspective, wetland habitats sequester atmospheric carbon as they grow, and build up peat layers’ year after year. The wetlands of Ireland are our rainforest equivalent, our species-rich habitats that also mop up carbon dioxide as well as providing invaluable habitats for wildlife. By creating wetland habitats such as this one, we can help to mitigate our county and national carbon emissions as well as assist with the recovery of wetland wildlife.

The project is being advanced by Offaly Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), with funding secured from Tullamore Credit Union, LEADER, and a match funding element by Offaly County Council. The Local Authority Community Waters Programme are funding the pre and post monitoring.