A businessman in Schull has criticised Cork County Council for recent roadworks that were carried out over the Easter holidays. John D’Alton told The Southern Star: ‘I am aware that the work was overdue because the road was sagging in the middle, due to settlement following sewage works, but Easter Week is our first busy week of the year.’
A BUSINESSMAN in Schull has criticised Cork County Council for recent roadworks that were carried out over the Easter holidays. John D’Alton told The Southern Star: ‘I am aware that the work was overdue because the road was sagging in the middle, due to settlement following sewage works, but Easter Week is our first busy week of the year.’
He complained that a few days were taken up with the works, and that they caused a disruption to businesses that are heavily reliant on visitors. Mr D’Alton who runs Newman’s bar and restaurant said: ‘The impact on businesses, such as ours, was very noticeable. To cross the street,’ he said, ‘one had to go from one end to the other.’
By way of example, he said one business owner, who has facing properties on the Main St, had to go to the top of the street and back down again just to cross the road.
‘Cork County Council did not consult us, the ratepayers, about these works. When we discovered what was planned we were told that it had to happen that week, or not at all. ‘The Council’s propensity for ignoring the people they are supposed to serve, who pay huge rates, is infuriating.’
A spokesperson for Cork County Council said: ‘Prior to commencement, the resurfacing works in Schull were discussed with the local gardai and the Schull Business Association. It was felt it was best to complete the works during the school holidays as this would be less disruptive.’
*****
Subscribe to The Southern Star today for less than €2 per week and support trusted, local journalism by clicking here.
Click here to sign up for our mailing list and get the best of West Cork delivered straight to your inbox.
