Clonakilty still open for business

By Kieran O’Mahony

WITH a major re-surfacing and drainage scheme costing €7m having begun in Clonaklity this week, the chairman of Clonaklity Chamber of Commerce has said that despite the potential upheaval to a section of the town, Clonakilty will be open for business.

‘Clonakilty Chamber of Commerce is very much in favour of this development and look forward to the end result which will be of subsequent benefit to the town,’ said Noel Lawlor, chairman of Clonakilty Chamber of Commerce speaking to The Southern Star.

‘We appreciate the pain that has to be endured during these works but it has to happen and we look forward to working with the contractor to negate some of those grievances. We are also looking forward in the near future to an artists impression of the streetscape that will be erected at either end of the town.’

The re-surfacing and drainage works began on Monday April 20^th and are expected to be completed by April 21^st 2016.

The works will take place from Faxbridge roundabout to Astna Square, and from there to Bank Corner at the junction of Pearse Street and Bridge Street.

The contract for the scheme was awarded to Arkil, and the NRA are the lead for the project on behalf of Cork County Council. An information evening was held last week in O’Donovan’s Hotel, which allowed members of the public to view the plans and the programme for the construction works.

The works to be completed include the construction of new storm water collection system with pump station and outfall to bay at Faxbridge as well as the installation of new watermain and associated works.

There will also be an upgrading of existing footpaths and re-arrangement of on-street parking, new public lighting, landscaping and street furniture. There will be a resurfacing of carriageway and an alteration of two-way route from junction of R880 and Clarke Street, to junction of R880 and Sand Quay to a one-way route.

At a recent Municipal District Meeting, Cllr Christopher O’Sullivan also said the townscape will be transformed for the better.

‘Despite the inconvenience, Clonakilty will be transformed and the town will benefit significantly from the works.’

Delegates of Clonakilty Chamber of Commerce will continue to meet with Cork County Council, the NRA and Arkil to ensure that there is as little disruption as possible for business during the work programme.

‘Clonakilty Chamber of Commerce also have a commitment that no works will take place within the town during the months of July and August and there will also be a break during the Christmas period.’

It is expected that the main body of work will be completed as far as Astna Square by the end of June. However, the completion of footpaths and landscaping will not begin until after the summer and temporary footpaths will be in place.