A group dedicated to the improvement of Bantry town is looking forward to spending €180,000 on two new community projects
A GROUP dedicated to the improvement of Bantry town is looking forward to spending €180,000 on two new community projects.
Cllr Danny Collins (Ind) confirmed that €96,000 under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, plus a €24,000 top-up from Cork County Council, will be spent on making Main Street more attractive.
As part of that streetscape project, he said, it is envisaged that the lighting on the street will be improved, the footpaths will be upgraded and hopefully some street furniture will be provided to make it more attractive to locals and visitors.
An additional grant of €60,000 under this year’s Community Enhancement Programme will be spent on developing a new basketball court and soccer area at the Peace Park in Newtown.
Cllr Collins said the multi-use exercise area should prove to be a big attraction for teenagers who have outgrown the town’s playground, which is also located at the other end of Newtown.
Cllr Collins paid tribute to all of the members of the Bantry Project Group – which was formed a year ago with Deirdre Fitzgerald at its head – including the members of the Bantry Business Association, Chamber of Commerce, Tidy Towns, Bantry Tourism and Development Group, local councillors including Mary Hegarty (FG), Ruth O’Brien, the Council’s senior executive engineer, and Damien Murphy, the Council’s area engineer.
Deirdre Fitzgerald works with the Council in identifying projects that will enhance the town, and together they submit the necessary funding applications.
Cllr Collins said: ‘This year we have an extra €180,000 to continue with town improvements.’
He added: ‘Aside from the financial implication, the news is hugely encouraging for the organisation as well as members of the community who see work being done.’
