Cork toy soldier factory may have to close or move due to affect of N22 bypass on visitor numbers

The managing director and founder of the Prince August Toy Soldiers factory in the Múscraí Gaeltacht village of Cill na Martra is considering whether to move or close his plant, which has suffered what he termed a dramatic downfall of business since the opening of the N22 Macroom/Baile Mhúirne bypass.

Lars Edman, whose company has been located in the Gaeltacht village for 48 years and employs nine people, told The Echo that their request for signage directing motorists from the bypass to the village had also been rejected, an approach which sharply contrasted, he said, with the erection of a large number of signs directing motorists to a War of Independence ambush site on the old N22 between Baile Mhúirne and Macroom.

Mr Edman said that the company had regularly had between 50-100 cars a day visiting but this had been reduced by two thirds at least since the opening of the bypass: “Before the bypass opened, we were 2km from the main road, now we’re 11km away.”

“We had asked for signage but we were told we didn’t have the correct figures. Yet around 20 signs have been put up for a War of Independence ambush site nobody has heard of.”

Mr Edman is referring to the Cúl na Cathrach ambush site for which an information point has been installed adjacent to a monument which was erected by a local committee. The Cúl na Cathrach ambush which took place on February 25, 1921, was one of the most significant incidents in the War of Independence and was discussed at the British government’s cabinet meeting the following week. It was one of three major incidents, Kilmichael, Crossbarry and Cúl na Cathrach, which led to the IRA truce which led to the Treaty talks.

In terms of the options open to the business now, Mr Edman said that closing the premises in Cill na Martra or moving to a new site closer to Cork were being considered.

The manager of the local Gaeltacht co-operative, Comharchumann Forbartha Mhúscraí, described the lack of signage for Cill na Martra as scandalous.

“We raised the lack of signage with the road builders and Cork County Council and were assured that the signage would be in place before the Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta/Gaeltacht GAA competition which was held in Cill na Martra in early June,” said Caroline Nolan of the Comharchumann. “They still aren’t in place, it’s very disappointing.”

A request for comment has been sent to Cork County Council.