Clonakilty gets ready for a busy summer despite the roadworks

Traders and business owners from Clonakilty came together this week to show that the town is fully open for business all summer, despite the major roadworks currently taking place. (Photo: Dermot Sullivan)

CLONAKILTY traders are getting the message out loud and clear that their town is open for business.

Despite the major construction work that is progressing in the town, a dedicated taskforce is co-ordinating with Cork County Council on behalf of all the businesses in the town.

The taskforce is led by former town councillor Kevin O’Regan of Fuchsia Footwear and Anne O’Neil of The Flower Basket.

The Clonakilty Resurfacing and Drainage Scheme project is well underway, with activity due to halt for the main tourist season during July and August.

Now the Chamber wants locals and visitors alike to know that the works will not slow down any of the plans to celebrate summer in the popular West Cork location.

‘The message is that Clonakilty is open for business. The construction works project is progressing,’ said Sinead O’Crowley of the Chamber. ‘Although the project undoubtedly presents a challenge, the agreed schedule, with a halt on actvity during the peak tourist season, will minimise impact experienced by businesses in the area,’ she said.

‘The result will be a greatly enhanced streetscape for the town which is set to have great benefit for businesses, local people and visitors. Crucially, the project addresses long-awaited flood relief and water mains upgrade.’

The benefit of major construction work on the town may already be seen at Astna Square.

Astna Square has been transformed into an impressive landmark and meeting point at the heart of Clonakilty town.

The Clonakilty Resurfacing and Drainage Scheme project, which will allow new water mains and the development of a new drainage system for the town centre, is underway between the Faxbridge roundabout and Astna Square (not including Astna Square).

Current construction work includes watermain and drainage installation until June 26th, and footpath and resurfacing works until November 25th. Construction work begins from Astna Square to Bank Corner on October 6th until April 21st 2016, with another halt during the Christmas season.

Construction of the pumping stations takes place from November 6th to March 9th 2016.

Earlier this week, several of the town’s traders and retailers came together in a show of support, to help promote the message that Clonakilty was up and running for summer and that the roadworks, while essential, would prove no hindrance to visitors and locals doing business as usual.