Cork County Recreation Amenities Enhanced in Anticipation of an Outdoor Summer

With the support of Cork County Council and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, works on the community-led project commenced with an eco-trail through the sand dunes in the designated EU Special Area of Conservation. In consultation with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, an ecological assessment was carried out on the site and based on the report’s recommendations, vehicle access has been restricted with the addition of gates and bollards to protect at-risk dunes. Upgraded seating and tables have been installed and interpretative signage, designed by a local artist, provides information on the dunes and biodiversity locally.

Mayor of County Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley congratulated the community group on their work saying,
“Outdoors is the theme of Summer 2021 as we all look forward to enjoying all that the county has to offer, and County Cork has more than most. Community groups working in collaboration with the local authority to improve their local amenities generate huge benefits for the local community and the local economy. We have great natural assets in the county and these types of projects that both improve and protect these assets are to be applauded.”

In East Cork, the Five-Foot Way Carpark and Amenity Walk in Cobh has been improved, with planting and landscaping at the entrance to the Municipal District’s campervan overnight parking area. Work carried out by Cork County Council ensures the area is looking its best in advance of the tourist season. With 30 camper van parking spaces here it is expected to be a busy spot for the summer months.

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey, commented,
“With tourism and hospitality hardest hit, Cork County Council has been focused on the recovery and reinvigoration of this vital aspect of our economy. Domestic leisure is set to be the most important market this summer for the tourism sector and we have been developing outdoor recreational infrastructure, developing trails, cycleways and greenways and improving access to leisure, sports and other outdoor facilities in anticipation of a busy summer. There’s clear demand out there and a strong desire to support our local businesses in County Cork and with Project ACT we are committed to delivering an effective pathway to recovery for our economy and employment in the region.”

Community sports facilities have also been benefitting with the construction of a new clubhouse for Mitchelstown Tennis Club, drainage improvement works to the existing grass pitch for Passage Soccer Club and new netting and a walkway for Donoughmore GAA.

Patsy Foley, Chairman of Donoughmore GAA said,
“This amenity couldn’t have gone ahead without the funding and support from Cork County Council.  G.A.A. members, parents of juvenile members and the local community avail of this walkway which is around the perimeter of the pitch.  During the Covid19 pandemic, this facility has proved invaluable to everyone in the community allowing them to exercise safely and also to meet up in a safe and socially distanced manner.”