Skibb gets a red-faced ‘urban zone’ streetscape

THE new street surface in Skibbereen has been welcomed by the local Chamber, businesses and the wider community.

That’s according to Cork County Council, which completed the ‘red’ road surfacing recently, although road markings have yet to be added to complete the look.

Some observers had contacted The Southern Star to ask if the plan was to have the street made into a giant cycle lane – as many towns around the country use the red surface to denote the area is for cyclists.

But the Council has stated that this is not the case.

‘As part of Cork County Council’s commitment to continuous improvement of infrastructure, a red colored stone mastic asphalt was selected for the road surfacing on Main Street in Skibbereen,’ the Council explained this week.

‘This finish is common in urban areas and has been used previously in other locations across the county.

‘It has been successful in highlighting to motorists that they are entering an urban zone with many other road users, pedestrians, cyclists, etc and not just another drive-through road.’

The Council says the red surface has had a positive effect in maintaining low road speeds in these zones as there is a marked difference from the standard black finished road surface.

‘We are currently awaiting the road marking contractor to complete the works with the addition of road lines and markings. The street finish and the overall works have been very well received by the local Chamber, businesses and the wider community,’ said the Council.