Council urged to shed some light on West Cork car park ahead of winter months

Skibbereen’s central Fairfield car park is so poorly lit it is left in darkness in the early mornings and at nighttime during the winter, according to a local councillor.

In a motion proposed to the West Cork municipal district, Fianna Fáil councillor Joe Carroll called for improved lighting and remedial works at the car park asking: “That the Fairfield carpark would receive attention before the winter arrives, ie, lining and lighting and some resurfacing.”

Mr Carroll said people arriving for work in the early mornings were parking in almost total darkness and though there was no issue with crime in Skibbereen, it was still not an acceptable situation.

Mr Carroll said many line marking in the car park had virtually disappeared and it was also in need of resurfacing in some sections.

Supporting the motion, Fine Gael councillor Brendan McCarthy said if remedial works were being carried out, installing power points for traders at the popular weekend farmer’s market should also be considered.

Responding for Cork County Council, senior executive engineer John Ahern said: “It is acknowledged that the Fairfield car park would benefit from upgrading works. A programme of works to include resurfacing and provision of public lighting is presently being prepared and costed. Appropriate funding streams will be explored as soon as detailed costs are known.”

• This article is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme