WORKS to repair the damaged ceiling at Michael Collins House in Clonakilty following its partial collapse are complete, according to Eimear O’Neill, the West Cork municipal district officer.

Speaking at a recent monthly meeting, she noted that the works were ‘of a specialist nature because of the historic status of the building’.

She advised public representatives that the plaster will need to dry fully before it can be painted.

But she said the hope is that the museum will reopen to the public in the coming weeks.

In an update from the previous meeting, at which the need for additional parking in Baltimore was highlighted by the local authority members, Ms O’Neill confirmed that a trailhead is being considered as part of the Baltimore to Skibbereen Greenway.

She said additional car parking facilities are likely to form part of this proposal, and that other options for parking are also under consideration.

The MDO announced that people will now have the option of having combined gym and pool membership in the complex in Dunmanway, and that membership can commence at any stage during the month, and need not be tied to the calendar month.

Eimear O’Neill reported that Skibbereen Town Hall has shown a 16% increase in the number of events held at the Town Hall this year.

She said the meeting room and ground floor were used for several community meetings, while the local authority used the town hall to host meetings with members of staff as well as  outside
groups.

Members of the West Cork Municipal District welcomed the Rathbarry Church conservation works, which were carried out under the Community Monuments Fund.

The funds were used to fix loose masonry under window sills, over some of the church’s arches, and around the missing central window on the south wall.

Another project that councillors said they were delighted to see completed before the December 2025 deadline was the resurfacing works at Rossmore Cemetery.

According to the municipal officer, these works were necessary to improve access and safety. In addition, the work included the widening of access routes to accommodate vehicles, the installation of a new soak-way, and the upgrading of its water
services.

Other local authority improvements that were carried out over the last couple of months included the resurfacing of the car park at Drimoleague; as well as the glazing, replacement, roof repair works, and paving and disability access improvements at Skibbereen Heritage Centre.

As part of her monthly report, Eimear O’Neill reminded the councillors that applications for the council’s local festival and event fund will close on Friday February 27th.

She said community groups, organisations, and event organisers are encouraged to apply for the tranche of funding via Cork County Council’s application portal.

She described the 2026 allocation as ‘an enhanced funding initiative aimed at supporting the delivery of high-quality festivals and events across the county.’

Supported by Fáilte Ireland, the fund aims to strengthen local communities, boost tourism, and generate sustainable economic impact while showcasing Cork as a vibrant year-round
destination.