Skibbereen gets a facelift

COUNCILLORS have welcomed a recent county manager’s report into the public realm improvement scheme for Skibbereen, writes Kieran O’Mahony. The works, which will transform the town, include the resurfacing of roads and footpaths, new street furniture, new lighting, new seating that includes several streets in the town. Cllr Joe Carroll (FF), speaking at a recent Cork County Council meeting, welcomed the report and said ‘a new street structure is very welcomed.’ Cllr Christopher O’Sullivan also welcomed the report. ‘We’ve seen the success of the streetscape improvements of Clonakilty and this is a huge opportunity to build on it and learn the lessons from Clonakilty and to keep the communication open between all parties,’ said Cllr O’Sullivan. Cllr Paul Hayes (SF) welcomed the initiation of the process and said it was very positive for Skibbereen. ‘I cannot emphasise the communication enough and I would hope that the Council will liaise with different disability groups as we had a number of issues in Clonakilty where in some instances sections of the footpath had to be replaced due to uneven surfaces,’ said Cllr Hayes.