Call on Waterways Ireland to provide land for parking

David Power

Waterways Ireland should provide land for car parking for people using the Grand Canal in Tullamore as an amenity, the monthly meeting of Offaly County Council heard.

“Down the north and south side of the Grand Canal in Tullamore, we have fierce traffic problems,” Cllr Declan Harvey said.

“Is there anyway Waterways Ireland would have a bit of land that we could negotiate with them to put in a bit of car parking. The Greenways are used brilliantly.

“They are the only things that are keeping people’s mindsets straight, because they can go for walks down the line. You can go from here (Tullamore) to Ballycommon,” he said.

“The walkways are great but we do need parking on them as the road around the canal aren’t able for those cars. Callery Street, and Park Avenue where I live, and Davitt Street – they are full of cars and the roads aren’t able for those cars. If you could talk to Waterways Ireland and see if there is land at both ends of the town to facilitate car parking. Down at Digby Bridge there’s a farmer and he can’t get over the bridge with his tractor and trailer because of the cars parked there."

The comments were made during a discussion of tourism. Tourism Officer Olive Farrelly said she would pass on Cllr Harvey's views.