North Cork town added to 'Town Centre First' initiative list

A North Cork town is among 26 approved for the Town Centre First (TCF) initiative, which will receive €30,000 each to complete a redevelopment plan.

The funding aims to enable areas to pursue projects like redeveloping derelict sites, bringing vacant buildings back into use, creating community parks and river walkways, protecting historical landmarks and boosting tourism.

The new towns join 26 others, including Skibbereen in West Cork, who joined the scheme last year and whose final action plans were announced this week.

Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North West Michael Moynihan, has welcomed the news that Kanturk has been identified as one of the 26 towns, one in each county, that will develop a Town Centre First Plan.

Revitalising

He explained that Town Centre First supports the objectives of the national rural development policy, Our Rural Future, in revitalising rural towns and engages communities through ‘Town Teams’.

Mr Moynihan said, “I am delighted Kanturk will be supported with funding of €30,000 to complete a comprehensive town plan to help develop its town centre.

“This investment is all about giving the people of Kanturk the tools they need to improve the town and make it a more attractive place in which to live, work, visit and invest.

“Fianna Fáil in Government will continue to prioritise investment in the regeneration and revitalisation of our towns.”

Meanwhile, 26 redevelopment plans, again one in each county in Ireland, were published by Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys and Minister of State for Local Government Kieran O’Donnell.

Vision

This included a plan for Skibbereen, developed in consultation with local communities, which represents the vision of local people for their area and contains proposals for a diverse range of projects such as redeveloping derelict sites, creating community parks and walkways, boosting SME and tourism potential, and protecting historical landmarks.

Cork South West TD Christopher O’Sullivan explained that the plans will see a Town Regeneration Officer appointed for Skibbereen, saying it is a massive opportunity for the town.

“It’s an amazing town. It should be the centre of tourism in West Cork considering its location near Mizen head and Baltimore and the islands,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

“Having a town regeneration officer really puts focus on Skibb realising that potential.”