Cork County Council has received a grant of €40,000 from the Department of Rural and Community Developments for the upgrading of footpaths in Kanturk Town Park.

The focus of the funding, which was issued under the Second Round of Town and Village Renewal Scheme – Accelerated Measure in Response to Covid-19, is to improve village amenities such as footpaths and walkways.

The widening of footpaths and walkways will allow for improved accessibility and social distancing requirements.

Mallow-based Christy O’Leary Plant Hire was appointed as contractor for the placement and construction of a recently completed pathway in Kanturk Town Park.

Works on the new pathway which commenced in late September include the placement of new concrete and tarmacadam footpaths along the existing routes about the park.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, welcomed the development and said that the expansion of footpaths and walkways is a “great addition” to Kanturk.

“It allows for better accessibility to the park for everyone while also being able to adhere to social distancing,” she said.

She said that the completed development will have “a positive impact” for the people of Kanturk going forward.

The works, which have allowed for the continued adapting to the current climate will also add to other facilities at the park including the recently upgraded playground which was refurbished under the guidance of Kanturk Community Council with the assistance of Cork County Council.

Chief Executive, Tim Lucey, said that the council “remains committed” to working alongside local communities to help them adapt to the ongoing pandemic.

“The extension of the footpaths and walkways in Kanturk Town Park is an example of this. The securing of national funds and grants is essential in continuing our town developments though this difficult time,” he said.