County will be in ship shape
A community-led project delivering major enhancements at several outdoor amenities around the county is now underway in anticipation of an especially outdoorsy summer.
With the support of Cork County Council and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, works on the project commenced with an eco-trail through the sand dunes at Harbour View Beach near Kilbrittain.
The new trail, complete with interpretive signage done by a local artist, will showcase the area’s flora and fauna with a focus on raising awareness around its sensitive nature and ecological value.
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 now been restricted with the addition of gates and bollards to protect at-risk dunes.
Upgraded seating and tables have also been installed at the site which is a designated EU Special Area of Conservation.
Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Mary Linehan Foley said: “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.
“We have great natural assets in the county and these types of projects that both improve and protect these assets are to be applauded.”
Meanwhile, 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.
With 30 camper van parking spaces, the site is expected to be very busy for the summer months.
Community sports facilities have also been enhanced 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.
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey said: “Domestic leisure is set to be the most important market this summer for the tourism sector.”
Mr Lucey added: “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.”