Upgrade works breathe 'new life’ into vital West Cork town park

Chateaulin Orchard Town Park in Clonakilty has undergone a series of upgrade works which have now been completed, Cork County Council has said.

Upgrade works to the park, which is located on the eastern side of Clonakilty, came following the publication of the 2022 Tidy Towns adjudication report, which identified the amenity as being in need of revitalisation.

Given the park’s proximity to Clonakilty town centre, local educational facilities, a public car park, and several residential areas, the amenity experiences a high volume of visitors on a daily basis.

Recognising the value of the space, Cork County Council secured €30,000 in funding for upgrade works through the Community Recognition Fund.

Full potential

The fund was established in 2023 to support the development of local infrastructure projects to accommodate the number of new arrivals from Ukraine and other countries into towns and villages.

This funding, used in combination with €24,000 from the council’s own resources, enabled the local authority to undertake the necessary steps to bring Chateaulin Orchard Town Park back to its full potential.

The upgrade works, which were completed this year by the council, include restoring a collapsed section of stone wall, commissioning a tree assessment report, pruning and removing trees where necessary, replacing decayed sleepers with more durable materials, and renewing kerbing.

Additional improvements involved relevelling and repairing paths and lawns, landscaping, installing new gates, and providing new seating.

New life

Mayor of the County of Cork, Independent councillor Mary Linehan Foley, said the project has “breathed new life into a vital public space in Clonakilty”.

“Not only does it support Cork County Council’s goal of inclusive community development, but it also recognises the essential role Clonakilty has played in welcoming new residents,” said Ms Linehan Foley.