A MODERN seating feature is being installed between Market Street and St Patricks Quay in Bandon in place of the old fountain as part of the street’s upgrade.

The works are part of Bandon’s TPREP (Town Public Realm Enhancement Plan) with Market Street the last street to be completed following the finishing of works on South Main Street at the end of August.

Contractors have said the circular modern seating feature will provide a ‘fresh and functional focal point for the town centre’ and replaces the fountain which hasn’t been in use for many years.

Some of the recent works completed include the future-proofing the street for ESB services to ensure capacity for future infrastructure needs.

However, during the works on Market Street it was discovered that the street’s storm drainage system was serviced by an old stone box culvert, which was full of debris and blocked.

The culvert had to be removed and replace while a new high spec storm drainage network to improve surface water management was installed.

Works are expected to conclude by February of next year.

Meanwhile, a Bandon-based councillor is calling for resurfacing works along the new road section of the town.

Cllr John Collins (Ind Ire) raised the issue at a recent meeting of Bandon Kinsale Municipal District and said some business owners had contacted him about the poor road surface.

Senior executive engineer Richard Cahill admitted that the New Road and McSwiney Quay aren’t in great shape but they didn’t receive funding for these parts of the town.

‘We will try to come up with a plan but it will be a different standard of finish compared to South Main Street and Market Street,’ he said,