A new outdoor Amphitheatre in Skibbereen and an upgraded walkway in Clonakilty have been officially opened to the public. The projects spearheaded by Cork County Council demonstrate a commitment to enriching community spaces for residents and visitors alike. 

The Rock Amenity Park in Skibbereen underwent substantial upgrades, transforming it into a destination for leisure and enjoyment. These enhancements include developing an outdoor Amphitheatre and installing 850m of footpaths. The park is on an elevated area east of the town at the rear of North Street and High Street, with panoramic views of Skibbereen and the surrounding areas. Notably, it contains the remnants of a number of small stone-cut cottages dating to Famine times, and a circular Famine Memorial honours the significance of the site. 

In Clonakilty, the Gallanes Walkway has been extended to link with the Technology Park as well as developing a hiking trail. 275 metres of walkway/cycle pathways have been added and the 1km hiking trail, which takes in three circular viewing points, has been completed. The extension promotes sustainable modes of transportation and fosters a greater sense of connectivity within the community. In addition, the walls of the existing stone houses which were in ruins, have been reduced to 1m above floor level and picnic benches installed on site to maximise use of the amenity and give appreciation to its former use.  

Commenting on these developments, the Mayor of Cork County, Cllr. Frank O’Flynn stated:

“I am delighted to see these projects come to fruition made possible through collaboration and community engagement. The upgraded amenity park and walkway extension are testament to the collective effort in creating vibrant, accessible, and sustainable spaces for everyone to enjoy.” 

Echoing these sentiments, The Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Valerie O’Sullivan remarked:

“The upgrades to the Rock Amenity Park and the Gallanes Walkway extension represent our ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors in Skibbereen and Clonakilty. These projects not only improve recreations spaces but contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of our communities.” 

More than €300,000 has been spent on the Rock Amenity Park project to date. The Department of Rural and Community Development provided €243,000 funding through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2022 which is 90% grant funding with Cork County Council providing the remaining 10%. In addition, Cork County Council allocated €40,000 Town Development Fund 2022 together with a further €17,930 from the Council’s own resources.  

Cork County Council allocated additional funds to the Department of Rural and Community Development and Transport Infrastructure Ireland funding for the Gallanes Walkway to maximise the amenity area between the walkway and the viewing points, further enhancing the overall experience for users and bringing the total spend to €387,450. The support of the landowner of the West Cork Technology Park provided vital assistance, ensuring the extension materialised.