Get ready to ‘Rock' and roll over plans for Skibb's outdoor gym

A SKIBBEREEN amenity, known as The Rock, is to be upgraded to include an amphitheatre, a picnic area and an outdoor gym. 

County Council engineer, Kevin Lynch, outlined their plan to develop the site at a West Cork Municipal District meeting.

Mr Lynch said the plans will feature new park infrastructure, an improved footpath, new seats and signage, and new interpretation features, such as story boards detailing the site’s famine connections.

With The Rock accessible from High Street, Cork Road and North Street, Cork County Council, with the support of a group of local enthusiasts, are hoping to raise the profile of the site as a town centre amenity.

At present, the site is readily accessible to the public, but it is in need of upgrading. There’s also nothing to indicate the entrance, and there are no signs around the town informing residents or visitors that the amenity exits. 

As part of the overall project, the Council plans to resurface the footpaths and to upgrade the entrances to the park and make it a popular amenity for everyone to enjoy.

According to Mr Lynch’s report, the site has significant heritage interest and includes a famine memorial point at its pinnacle. When the project is complete, these features – the rock-cut structures that are associated with the famine period – will be clearly explained on story boards.

Cllr Joe Carroll (FF) said he was pleased with the progress being made on the project and Cllr Christopher O’Sullivan (FF) said the amphitheatre could, in time, prove to be a big attraction similar to the amphitheatre at Inchydoney.

The plans for the elevated site – which is located at the rear of North Street – were advertised in The Southern Star at the end of January and at a recent meeting Mr Lynch said: ‘The public has the opportunity to review the proposed scheme and make submissions to Cork County Council before Monday, March 19th next.’