CORK County Council was applauded for the ongoing road resurfacing works being carried out in Skibbereen, but one councillor has called for a loading bay to be placed at the top of Townshend Street to facilitate businesses in the area.

Cllr Brendan McCarthy said the work done on North Street and Bridge Street was excellent, and that the new footpaths throughout the town were a great addition.

All of the members of the West Cork Municipal District agreed with the sentiments, with the lone dissenter Cllr Joe Carroll, who said that he has heard some people complaining about driving over the low-lying grills that cover the drains at Bridge Street.

While welcoming the road improvements, Cllr McCarthy did uge council officials to consider changing the town’s bylaws so that a new loading bay could be located near the centre of the town, at the top of Townshend Street.

Cllr McCarthy previously complained of traffic delays on Townshend Street, particularly from vehicles exiting from the rear of the Main Street car park, but he said it should be possible to create an off-road loading bay, possibly nearer to Mardyke Street.

Cllr McCarthy urged the council’s roads department to create a new loading bay before Townshend Street is resurfaced, similar to other areas of the town.

‘There are a lot of deliveries made at that junction and we need a place where delivery drivers can safely pull in and access local businesses,’ said Cllr McCarthy, who advised officials that lots of traders have written letters in support of the request.