The ambitious yet practical plans for Skibbereen Town Centre represents the culmination of extensive public engagement led by Cork County Council, aligning with the nationwide Town Centre First policy initiative.
The Skibbereen TCF Plan's public consultation and development began in July 2023. It received 930 submissions from the community, while a Town Team of eight representatives emerged as a focal group collaborating with consultants and Cork County Council to shape the plan. A sequence of town-based public engagement gatherings culminated in a community showcase at Skibbereen Town Hall in December 2023. The final plan contains 36 specific objectives, projects and principles that have been identified through a collaborative and consultative process.
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Cllr. Joe Carroll, Chair of the West Cork Municipal District deputising for the Mayor of the County of Cork, said that the plan was built on information gleaned from extensive public consultation and surveys. He said:
"This plan for Skibbereen strikes a balance between what is bravely ambitious and realistically achievable, and I would like to acknowledge the contributions of all who have participated in its development."
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Valerie O'Sullivan commented: "While Skibbereen is the initial 'pathfinder' town under the national Town Centre First initiative, Cork County Council is actively progressing a range of regeneration measures across towns in the county, covering areas such as sustainable travel, property activation and public realm enhancements. The plan for Skibbereen will now be utilised as a resource for all stakeholders and to support funding applications for the projects and objectives that have been identified."
