Councillors in Offaly County Council recently approved the construction of over 180 metres of new cycle routes in Tullamore. This development aims to improve the cycling experience for residents and visitors alike, while also providing safer routes for children to travel to school. As part of the Active Travel Scheme, the funding for these new routes is secured.
Key Features of the Proposed Cycle Route
• A 180-metre cycleway to be created in the Collins Lane area
• The route will provide a safe travel link with other parts of the town and will connect to the general Tullamore cycle network
• The route aims to address existing traffic issues in the area, such as bottlenecks and congestion
• The new cycleway will help to reduce traffic on local roads, promoting a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists alike
The Benefits of Cycling Infrastructure
• Improved safety for cyclists: Cycling infrastructure such as cycle lanes and cycleways can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and fatalities
• Enhanced travel experience: By providing dedicated cycle routes, residents and visitors can enjoy a more convenient and enjoyable journey
• Increased accessibility: Cycling infrastructure can help to promote physical activity, improve mental health, and increase accessibility to local amenities
Support for the Proposed Cycle Route
• Councillor Seán O’Brien expressed his support for the proposal, stating that it will provide an excellent link between the housing estates in the Collins Lane area to other parts of the town and to other cycling routes
• Councillor Neil Feighery echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for safer routes to alleviate traffic congestion in the area
• Councillor Declan Harvey expressed concerns about the proposed route, highlighting the need to address traffic issues and potential bottlenecks in the area
Other Developments in Tullamore
• A new two-storey school to be built in the Collins Lane area, featuring 12 classrooms for pupils with special education needs
• The construction of the new school will take place on a 2.3-acre greenfield site owned by the Department of Education at Norbury Woods Avenue
• The site is adjacent to the existing Educate Together National School
| Development | Description |
|---|---|
| New School | A two-storey school featuring 12 classrooms for pupils with special education needs |
| Cycle Lane | A 180-metre cycleway to be created in the Collins Lane area |
Addressing Concerns
• Councillor Declan Harvey highlighted the need to address traffic issues in the Collins Lane area, including bottlenecks and congestion
• The new cycleway aims to alleviate traffic congestion by providing an alternative route for cyclists
• Councillors Frank Moran and Shane Murray expressed their support for the proposal, acknowledging the need to address traffic issues in the area
Conclusion
The proposed cycle routes in Tullamore aim to improve the cycling experience for residents and visitors, while also providing safer routes for children to travel to school. With the support of the Active Travel Scheme and the approval of the Offaly County Council, these new routes are set to become a reality in the coming months. As the town continues to grow and expand, the importance of investing in cycling infrastructure cannot be overstated.
“I am pleased to see that our local authority is taking concrete steps to improve the cycling infrastructure in our area,” said Councillor Seán O’Brien.
