Funding boost for West Cork renewal projects

BY EMMA CONNOLY

A CASH injection of €850,000 is coming West Cork’s way with a variety of projects to benefit including a new plaza in Drinagh and the development of Bantry Market. 

The projects, many of which have already been announced include: €100,000 for the creation of a 3km cycleway and pedestrian access from Clonakilty to the Technology Park; €100,000 for Schull Harbour;  €152, 000 allocated for the Ludgate Hub Innovation Cluster in Skibbereen and €80,000 for a new plaza in Drinagh consisting  of new public lighting, footpaths and a horticultural and recycling hub in the village.

Bandon’s Allen Institute is getting €32,000 for renovations.

Furthermore, a sum of €76,800 will go to Bantry market; €100,000 for Castletownbere car park and street enhancement; €48,000 goes to Glengarriff for an already-announced lifesize bronze statue to commemorate Maureen O’Hara; €80,000 to renovate Kinsale’s Museum and  €100,000 to revamp Macroom’s middle square. 

Cork South West FG TD Jim Daly said he was delighted with the range of funding which was announced under the government’s 2017 Town and Village Renewal Scheme: ‘I commend all community groups for taking an initiative on such ambitious and worthwhile projects. I am delighted to have been of assistance to all groups in these projects that will enhance the community not only for visitors to the area but also the local people.’

Minister Michael Creed also welcomed Macroom’s allocation while Senator Tim Lombard said Cork’s projects had the capacity to support the economic development of rural town and villages as well as their neighbouring townlands. 

‘The scheme will also support improvements to public amenities in our town and village centres, to help make them more attractive places in which to live and work and to visit,’ he said.