Cork County Council has secured funding to the value of €551,250 for 2 major projects which have been approved under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) from the Department of Rural & Community Development.
In Youghal, the Regeneration of the Town Centre and Development of a future vision for the disused former Courthouse, costed at €375,000 will benefit with €281,250 approved in RRDF funding while in Mitchelstown, the Development of a Georgian Cultural/Heritage Quarter, a project with a cost of €360,000 will receive €270,000 in RRDF funding.
The developments in Youghal have been designed by the Council to enhance the economic sustainability of the town centre through large scale public realm works with plans for a visitor experience in the disused former Court House building in the town centre, which would see the building become a key tourism attraction for domestic and international tourists alike. The proposed public realm works will transform the appearance and experience of the medieval historic streets of Youghal, with overhead cabling placed underground, a complete repaving of footpaths on both sides of street, street furniture and lighting plans established.
In Mitchelstown, Cork County Council will lead the delivery of a project in partnership with the Mitchelstown Heritage Society, trustees of St. George’s Church, Kingston Square and other local agencies on the development of Mitchelstown Georgian Cultural/Heritage Quarter. The project will see St. Georges Church refurbished as an Arts, Heritage and Cultural Centre for the town, along with the development of interpretative signage and information points and landscaping along Georges Street and Kings Square. The development of a three hectare woodland park at the rear of Kingston College is also proposed.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley welcomed the news saying:
“These two projects will provide a fantastic boost for the communities of Youghal and Mitchelstown. These developments will provide a great incentive for prospective tourists to visit these wonderful towns and, when completed, will be excellent local amenities for everyone in the surrounding areas.”
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey noted:
“These funded projects will play an important role in Project ACT and grant significant support to the economic and social recovery of Youghal and Mitchelstown. The projects will enable the towns to take full advantage of their roles in Ireland’s Ancient East tourism trail and will form part of Cork County Council’s wider Town Framework Plans for the continued future development of these areas.”
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