Tullamore traffic delays ahead as site investigations begin for major wastewater upgrade
Uisce Éireann has announced that site investigation works are beginning this week in order to help pave the way for a major upgrade of Tullamore's wastewater infrastructure.
The site investigation works are expected to take approximately nine weeks to complete, and will require temporary traffic management measures to be put in place in areas of the town.
The survey works will be carried out both north and south of the Grand Canal, at locations including Convent View, Thornsbury Estate, Callery Street, Connolly Park, Convent Road, Patrick Street and Main Street.
Uisce Éireann said traffic management will be required "throughout the duration of the surveys" and these "will be implemented in the form of stop/go systems". It added that "local and business access" would be maintained at all times.
The site investigations are to "inform and support the development of designs for the planned wastewater infrastructure upgrade" in the area.
However, Tullamore councillor Sean O'Brien said he was informed at a meeting with Uisce Éireann yesterday that the substantive works works on the project could still be more than a year away - which he described as unacceptable.
"I attended a meeting with Uisce Éireann representatives on Monday to hear their plans to upgrade the wastewater treatment facility that affects the Callary St and Convent Road area in Tullamore during heavy rain periods," said Cllr O'Brien.
"They are undertaking investigative works over the coming months, including boreholes and underground CCTV investigation. I asked when we can expect to see a contractor on the ground to get the work done and I was informed that it could be late 2026 or early 2027.
"I told them that this is not acceptable as people simply cannot be expected to tolerate this situation for another winter.
"We will be using all channels to try and influence this decision, as this work is long overdue and it is essential from a health and safety perspective."
In a statement issued by Uisce Éireann today (Tuesday), its programme manager Ciaran Ryan said the site investigation works would help to "deliver the most effective design and construction outcomes," and would "inform the feasibility and impact" of the proposed wastewater infrastructure upgrade.
"We understand that areas of this wastewater network are challenged and are committed to providing solutions while also unlocking growth opportunities in this thriving Midlands town," Mr Ryan commented.
"We realise that traffic management measures may cause some disruption, and we sincerely thank the community for their patience and cooperation.
"We've worked closely with Offaly County Council and our delivery partners to ensure these works are carried out as efficiently as possible, with every effort made to minimise inconvenience."
Coffey Construction are carrying out the site investigation works on behalf of Uisce Éireann.