Big boost for West Cork as €2.2m secured to revamp towns and popular beaches

It’s great news for West Cork as a combined €2.2 million is dished out to revamp two towns and a number of popular tourist beaches.

The funds come as part of a major regeneration scheme set up to breathe new life into old villages and communities across Ireland. Clon and Skibb are the main towns set to benefit, and local authorities have already outlined new plans to combat dereliction and improve local facilities.

Skibbereen town council will be cashing in their €1.8 million for a huge range of improvements, including adding new greenery, paving, public seating and street lighting. They also aim to install a nifty new raised area around Levis Quay, which will function as a space for community and cultural events.

Clon residents have big plans for their €200,000 share – aiming to renovate and reuse vacant or derelict heritage buildings in a full-scale reimagining of the town centre.

Meanwhile, four of the county’s most popular beaches are also set to benefit, with another €200k being earmarked for developments at Garretstown, Garrylucas, Owenahincha, and Inchydoney. These upgrades will be focused on building and improving pedestrian pathways and ensuring that they’ll be more accessible to beachgoers than ever before.

Bantry walkers can also look forward to a brand new coastal walkway at Durrus, with yet another €200,000 being put aside to speed up project works.

Cork County Mayor Cllr. Frank O’Flynn said: “Our towns and villages are the lifeblood of rural Ireland. The Town Centre First Initiative is set to have a major impact on rejuvenating our communities in County Cork.

“I welcome both funding streams, which I have no doubt will help Cork County Council to engage with our citizens and empower the communities to shape the future of their town centres by identifying opportunities which will help ensure the long-term vitality of these areas.”

Christopher O’Sullivan, Fiana Fáil spokesperson for coastal communities, added: “We have some of the most incredible, safe beaches in West Cork. Unfortunately access to those beaches has been an issue. I’ve always felt that everybody should have access to these incredible amenities. This is a fantastic opportunity for Cork County Council to do that for some of our beaches.”