County council launches Skibb regeneration plan

CORK County Council has officially launched its Town Centre First (TCF) Regeneration Plan for Skibbereen.

The development process, which came after significant public consultation by Cork County Council as part of the national TCF policy initiative, commenced in July of last year.

Following the submission of 930 applications from the community, a team of eight community representatives formed as a focus group, who worked alongside consultants and Cork County Council to shape the plan.

Taking heed of efforts made to regenerate other European towns and villages, the final plan contains 36 specific objectives, projects, and principles that have been identified through the collaborative and consultative process.

This will include the physical enhancement of key town centre areas such as Main Street, North Street, and Bridge Street, as well as reintegrating the River Ilen as an active and inviting element of the area.

The plan will also facilitate the restructuring of streetscape to enable safe active travel such as walking and cycling, as well as taking proactive steps to protect and nurture its parks and other green spaces.

Welcoming the launch of the plan, West Cork Municipal District chairman, deputising for the Mayor of the County of Cork, councillor Joe Carroll said: 

“This plan for Skibbereen strikes a balance between what is bravely ambitious and realistically achievable, and I would like to acknowledge the contributions of all who have participated in its development.”

Cork County Council chief executive Valerie O’ Sullivan said: “While Skibbereen is the initial pathfinder town under the national Town Centre First initiative, Cork County Council is actively progressing a range of regeneration measures across towns in the county, covering areas such as sustainable travel, property activation and public realm enhancements.

“The plan for Skibbereen will now be utilised as a resource for all stakeholders and to support funding applications for the projects and objectives that have been identified.”

Copies of the Skibbereen TCF Regeneration Plan are available from Skibbereen Library or are accessible online via the Cork County Council website.