Tullamore “15-minute town” plan to focus on enhanced active travel

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Offaly County Council has unveiled the Draft Tullamore Local Transport Plan, which outlines proposals aimed at improving travel and transport within the county town.

The plan, which was published on February 20, is available for public viewing until Monday week, March 23.

At the heart of the plan is the vision to transform Tullamore into a "15-minute town", mirroring efforts in other towns and cities to centralise essential services in order to make them accessible in 15 minutes or less by foot, bicycle, or public transport.

According to the 2022 Census, more than 40% of all journeys to work and education in Tullamore are under 15 minutes, with the highest concentration of these short trips occurring in areas directly north and south of the town centre.

The draft plan aims to build on this by proposing a series of walking and cycling improvements designed to encourage more people to make these short trips on foot or by bike, rather than by car.

To achieve this, the council's draft plan lays out several key measures focused on improving accessibility and safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

A major component of the plan is the creation of new “Quietway” routes; traffic-calmed streets and off-road paths that provide safe and attractive routes for walking and cycling.

A Tullamore River Quietway, for example, is proposed to link key locations such as schools on O’Carroll Street and residential areas including Whitehall, Church Hill, and Cluain Darach.

Another route, the Marian Place/O’Molloy Street Quietway, is proposed in order to provide a safer alternative link between Kilbride Street and Main Street, improving access to Lloyd Town Park, schools in Kilcruttin, and the Grand Canal Way.

The council said these routes are designed to minimise car traffic while providing a more pleasant and safe environment for pedestrians and cyclists.

In addition to the Quietway routes, the draft plan calls for the formalisation of informal pathways and the introduction of filtered permeability on selected streets. Filtered permeability allows pedestrians and cyclists easier access to certain areas by restricting through-traffic for cars, creating safer, quieter routes for walking and cycling.

By formalising unofficial trails formed by foot traffic, also known as 'desire lines', the plan hopes to improve connectivity between important areas such as Baroney Way on Daingean Road, Kearney Park on Tyrell’s Road, and Lough House View on Rahan Road. Proposed upgrades would include improved surfacing, lighting which is sympathetic to the enviroment, and clearer signage to enhance wayfinding.

Public consultation conducted between May and July 2023 revealed widespread support for improving walking and cycling infrastructure, according to the draft plan. Many respondents noted that they currently drive for short trips of under 15 minutes because of missing footpaths, limited crossings, and a lack of secure bike parking.

The plan also envisions the creation of cycle hubs at strategic locations around the town, including at Tullamore train station and in Tullamore town centre. These hubs would provide high-capacity, secure bike parking along with end-of-trip facilities such as bike repair stations, changing rooms, and personal storage.

The plan’s focus on cycling is intended to make cycling a more viable and convenient option for residents, particularly those making short trips. The draft plan outlines that, by improving infrastructure for both cyclists and pedestrians, the town can reduce its reliance on cars, lower congestion, and encourage a healthier, more sustainable way of life.

Another key aspect of the plan highlights the need for a reliable town bus service to support Tullamore’s development and improve connections, especially to peripheral areas.

The proposed service could include regular peak-time routes on weekdays and weekends, with bi-directional routes increasing frequency along the town centre. Early morning and late evening services would also be considered.

Bus stops would be located near key residential areas like Cluain Dara, Church Hill, and Kilcruttin, as well as at commercial hubs such as the Bridge Centre, Tullamore Retail Park, and Axis Business Park. Stops near schools like Tullamore College and primary schools will ensure easy access for students and parents.

Improvements to public transport are also a key part of the draft plan. These include upgraded bus stops, expanded town and regional bus services, and plans to transform Tullamore Train Station into a modern multimodal transport hub.

This transformation aims to provide better integration between different modes of transport, making it easier for residents to choose public transport over private cars.