Clonakilty is named ‘top town' in UK and Ireland

CLONAKILTY has won The Great Town award in a competition run throughout the UK and Ireland at the 2017 Urbanism Awards Ceremony, beating off over 40 other towns along the way.

The judges felt the quality of the design and maintenance of the public realm in Clonakilty was exemplary; particularly the main street with its bespoke paving features and street seating, and also the reclaim and redesign of Emmett Square, which has been done to a very high standard. The town was also credited for its volunteered and sponsored Clon Bikes scheme and its town architect in the community model.

The assessment team of the Great Town Award noted: ‘The quality of the town centre and the town’s location close to the sea and beautiful beaches make it an attractive place to live, do business and visit. Clonakilty is a good example of those three elements coming together in a sustainable way that celebrates local distinctiveness – tradition, entrepreneurialism and a strong sense of local pride.’

The assessors also credited the town for being particularly welcoming and embracing new ideas and concept wholeheartedly.

Cork County Council chief exective Tim Lucey said that he wished to congratulate the Council staff involved directly in the scheme design and delivery and the Clonakilty businesses, residents and community sector in working closely with the Council over the years in facilitating a successful outcome to the various projects in the town. ‘This is ample recognition for all for a job well done to an exceptionally high level of excellence in community and State partnership,’ he said.