Big plans for 'Grand Canal Dock Tullamore'
A regenerated Tullamore Harbour has the potential to become “a major destination hub in the midlands”.
That's according to Waterways Ireland, which in partnership with Offaly County Council, has applied for funding under the government's new Urban Regeneration and Development Fund to redevelop the harbour into a vibrant waterfront development that would include office space, an enterprise hub, residential developments and leisure facilities. The regeneration plans also include the rebranding of the harbour as “Grand Canal Dock Tullamore”.
In a statement to the Offaly Independent, Waterways Ireland outlined its ambitions for the town centre site.
“Tullamore Harbour is a 3.1 acre site (all in public ownership) comprising 1.5 acres of water and 1.6 acres of land. The harbour has effectively been cut off from the town of Tullamore since the decline of trading on the Grand Canal and does not maximise its worth in adding value to the local economy. Currently, Waterways Ireland’s operational depot operates from the harbour, behind high walls and dilapidated buildings. Waterways Ireland is currently in the process of identifying a suitable greenfield site in the Tullamore area for relocation of its operational depot and, subject to planning, hope that work can commence to enable the harbour area to be vacated for subsequent development.
“The harbour area has the potential to offer a complete package for businesses, residents, those taking part in recreational and social activities, and tourists and could become a major destination hub in the Midlands. Waterways Ireland, in partnership with Offaly County Council, has recently submitted a Category B application under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund 2018 to help progress the vision to develop Tullamore Harbour as a vibrant waterfront development in the heart of Tullamore, to re-brand the area as "Grand Canal Dock Tullamore;" comprising office space, enterprise hub, residential, arts/conferencing and leisure facilities. The ambition is to revitalise the harbour area so that it once more is an integral part of the town of Tullamore and an economic generator for the town and wider environs,” the statement concluded.
Cllr Tommy McKeigue says that a redeveloped harbour site would revitalise the centre of Tullamore.
“It has huge potential. You have high buildings on the side of the road with the Convent of Mercy and you would be able to get height into any development, which is something that the Department of Housing is looking for and could help the accommodation shortage.
“Being able to build higher building would possibly enable the building of more higher density developments than previousy seen in Tullamore. It's a very exciting project.”