Work to start on new link road and one-way system in Tullamore

Offaly County Council has announced the signing of contracts for the new High Street to Tanyard link road in Tullamore.

The council said the link road, along with the introduction of a one-way traffic system from the Tanyard through O’Connor Square, will allow for the regeneration of the Tanyard, the former 'Carroll’s' site, and the former 'Coen’s' site in the town.

Ballinasloe-based Kenny Civils & Plant Ltd successfully tendered for the project and the contract signing took place on Friday (July 19).

The work is now due to begin in the coming weeks.

Offaly County Council said the link road and one-way system would help to further enhance "the transformative impact of the O’Connor Square re-development" in the county town.

"This project will provide an attractive and easily accessible vibrant town centre destination as the new link street will enable a wide spectrum of mixed town centre uses, including retail, commercial, social, cultural, residential and tourism to co-exist through the integration of high-quality public realm," said the local authority.

Chief Executive of Offaly County Council, Anna Marie Delaney, welcomed the development, saying: "The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) is a strategic plan which identifies regional assets, opportunities and pressures and provides appropriate policy responses in the form of Regional Policy Objectives.

"This project is funded under the Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF), by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, which along with the support of our elected officials continue to benefit local residents and the business community."

The regeneration of the Tanyard area is a specific aim in the Eastern and Midlands Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy, which is informed by Project Ireland 2040, the national development plan.