€200K PACKAGE OF WORKS FOR MALLOW CASTLE
FUNDING of €200,000 has been allocated for the development of a walkway and cycleway on the grounds of Mallow Castle under a Government initiative aimed at enhancing outdoor recreational facilities.
The funding is part of an almost €11 million package under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, with 78 projects around the country set to benefit under the cash windfall.
Speaking to the Corkman the manager of Cork County Council’s Kanturk/Mallow municipal district, Mary Hayes, said provision of the walkway and cycleway would be the next phase of the overall masterplan for the Castle and in grounds drawn up by the authority.
Works already undertaken under the plan include improving access to the Castle and its 33-acres of gardens and parklands, the upgrading of its entrance avenue including the erection of bollards and public lighting and the development of a walkway linking the estate to the Town Park.
Ms Hayes said that other elements of the masterplan, which will be rolled out in a phased basis over the coming year will include additional walkways, a blueway along the River Blackwater, the provision of dedicated angling points along the river and a playground.
She said it was also hoped to hold more public events in the castle grounds such as live concerts and outdoor plays.
“The overarching aim of the masterplan is transform the castle grounds into a major visitor attraction for the north Cork region,” said Ms Hayes.
“Consultants are currently working out routes for the new walkway and cycleway, which we hope to have in place by the end of this year,” she added.
The announcement of the tranche for funding for Mallow Castle has been warmly welcomed by local public representatives, with Minister for State and Cork East TD David Stanton saying it would help “ensure the development of this excellent facility for the town.”
Cllr John Paul O’Shea said the development of the castle would both “improve the quality of life for local residents and serve to boost local tourism”.