Plan for wetland area at Kilcruttin takes step forward

Photo: A stock photo of a wetland.

Plans to convert land close to the existing Traveller halting site in Tullamore into a wetland habitat have taken a step forward.

Offaly County Council recently invited tenders for the work, which is being developed as one of a number of measures to improve the ecosystem of the Tullamore River.

The wetland habitat is to be created on lands adjacent to the inner relief road in Tullamore at Kilcruttin.

The council says the land was previously the site of the old wastewater treatment plant in Tullamore and was also for a period an unofficial halting site.

The proposed project is funded partially by a number of funding bodies, including LEADER, Offaly LCDC, and community groups.

It was one of a number of initiatives proposed by the Tullamore Living River Project study published last year.

The Tullamore Living River Report identified nine project areas along, on and in the river to develop increased amenity and recreational opportunities.

The Tullamore Living River Report envisages the area at Srah and Kilcruttin being converted into “an attractive wetland filter area and wetland park”.

The plan is to use a raised berm to help direct the flow of the main river channel through a wide wetland area, creating a filter and habitat marsh areas within the site.

Tenders are now being sought for the first phase of the works, the construction of the wetlands.

The work will involve the removal of imported material within the site and to an agreed location in/near Tullamore, the removal of virgin soil to bring the overall site level down, the installation of raised berms of soil, the creation of a shaped wetland area, and the planting of trees, plants, and landscaping.

A second phase of the project, the widening of the river channel where it flows through the park at Marian Place, in Tullamore, is being included, as a possible addition, to the tender.

It is proposed to commence the work in spring 2021.