Opinions differ on Mitchelstown’s street furniture
New awnings have been erected in Market Square, Mitchelstown, under Cork County Council’s Project ACT initiative. The purpose of the awnings is to provide a shelter and meeting spot for locals as the Government continues to restrict dining and recreation indoors.
Details of the awnings were welcomed, cautiously, by councillors at Fermoy’s Municipal District meeting in June. At the time, concerns were raised around the potential for littering and antisocial behaviour, as there will be picnic benches placed under the structures.
However, a more optimistic view was held by some residents in Mitchelstown. Speaking to TheAvondhu, teenagers enjoying the sun this week were looking forward to seeing the new street furniture in place. On the potential for littering, they were quick to point out that the steps in the square already serve as seating, and there is very little litter there right now.
Harry O’Brien, a student from Glanworth, welcomed the street furniture, and said, “If people were going to litter they’d have done it anyway. Most people don’t just drop their rubbish - there’s very little here right now, and people already use the steps in the square for seating”.
One business owner in the area forecast trouble if revellers from public houses take the opportunity to continue the party in the street.
Justin Finn of J’s Bar, which is one of the closest pubs to the structures, is extremely doubtful of the wisdom of their placement.
“I would ask, what’s the reason for them? And who’s taking ownership of them? I think they will just draw anti-social behaviour, and there’s a risk that people will see the mess and blame pub owners for encouraging it”.
‘SHAME’ NO CONSULTATION
Claudia Matassa, member of the Mitchelstown Business Association and local business owner, was positive on the move, but would have welcomed public consultation on their placement, as was the case with the street benches.
“It’ll be nice if they’re used correctly. The square should be used for a social space. It’s a great initiative to see in the square, as long as the council maintain them, and people have respect for them”.
“It’s a shame it wasn’t discussed beforehand with the MBA and other community groups however. We had meetings when the benches were installed, about where was the best place for them, from an Age Friendly perspective, and where they are really works, everybody uses them. The concept of the awnings is good, it’s just a shame it wasn’t discussed further”.
GREAT ASSET
Cllr Kay Dawson was happy to see the awnings up, and the people of Mitchelstown enjoying their town more.
“The one good thing about lockdown is seeing the Square used more, seeing people enjoy and use public spaces, just like the benches in the town. There are young people up in the square, and they’re creating a bit of a buzz about the place. If they’re used properly, and respectfully, they’ll be a great asset”.
The combined cost of the awnings and picnic benches for the town is €25,638.
FERMOY
Meanwhile, in Fermoy, canopies are yet to be installed.
While the location of one of the canopies is Ashe Quay, a spokesperson for Cork County Council confirmed to TheAvondhu this week that the location of the second canopy is yet to be decided.
Recent works carried out beside the tourist office on Ashe Quay were described by the council as ‘accommodation works’ for the installation of a canopy, including the installation of ground sockets.
“The area will be reinstated back to parking until such time as the canopy is installed and the existing disabled parking bay will be relocated nearer the time of installation.
“Funding for the canopies and associated seating comes from Cork County Council’s Town Development Fund though Project ACT 2021 which aims to support economic recovery, outdoor recreational activity, enhanced town presentation and the hospitality, arts, community and entertainment sectors,” the council spokesperson added.