Clonakilty's Chateaulin Orchard Park Receives €54,000 Transformation
Chateaulin Orchard Park's €54,000 makeover transforms Clonakilty green space into welcoming community hub for all ages.
Cork County Council has completed a major upgrade of Chateaulin Orchard Town Park in Clonakilty, investing €54,000 to revitalise this popular green space on the eastern side of the town.
The transformation of Chateaulin Orchard Park addresses concerns raised in the 2022 Tidy Towns adjudication report, which identified the space as requiring urgent attention. The park, known for its mature trees and tranquil atmosphere, serves as a vital community hub due to its proximity to the town centre, local schools, public parking, and surrounding residential areas.
Cork County Council secured €30,000 through the Community Recognition Fund and contributed an additional €24,000 from its own resources to complete the comprehensive renovation project.
The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley:
"This project has breathed new life into a vital public space in Clonakilty. Not only does it support Cork County Council's goal of inclusive community development, but it also recognises the essential role Clonakilty has played in welcoming new residents."
The extensive upgrade works included repairing a collapsed section of the park's stone wall and conducting a professional tree assessment. Based on the report's recommendations, trees were pruned and removed where necessary to ensure visitor safety while maintaining the park's distinctive character.
Practical improvements saw the replacement of decayed sleepers with more durable materials and the installation of new kerbing throughout the park. Paths and lawns were relevelled and repaired to improve accessibility, while new gates were fitted to enhance security.
The council also focused on visitor comfort, installing new seating areas and completing comprehensive landscaping work to enhance the park's visual appeal. These improvements ensure the space continues to provide a peaceful retreat for the high volume of daily visitors it attracts.
The project demonstrates Cork County Council's commitment to maintaining and improving public spaces across the county, particularly those identified through community feedback channels such as the Tidy Towns competition.
