The announcement of additional funding of €2000 for St Mary’s Collegiate Church has been welcomed by Cork East Fine Gael TD, David Stanton. The funding was allocated under the Heritage Council’s “Community Based Heritage Grant Scheme 2015” and will be used to complete the final phase of the Graveyard Trail project at the church.
“This Heritage Council Grant of €2000 brings to €100,000* the total funding St Mary’s Collegiate Church has received in the past year for essential conservation works to the Church and the boundary walls. St Mary’s is a fine example of our built heritage and one of the oldest churches in the country still in use. It is of great value to Youghal historically and as a tourist attraction.
“This allocation comes in the same week that the Eco-Boardwalk in Youghal reopened so it is more positive news for the town. Youghal Boardwalk has been a hugely popular amenity for locals and visitors and has been fully reinstated since it was almost destroyed by storms in January 2014. I understand that, now the original boardwalk length has reopened, there are plans to extend the walkway as far as Redbarn and the Quality Hotel.
“St Mary’s Collegiate Church and Gardens and the Eco-Boardwalk add to the many amenities in Youghal such as the town walls and Clockgate Tower which make the town very attractive to tourists, in particular for walking tours. I hope that the recently launched “Ireland’s Ancient East” initiative by Failte Ireland serves to attract more visitors to the town both from around Ireland and abroad.
“I am delighted to see so much investment in Youghal’s tourism product in recent years particularly in Youghal’s medieval history. This medieval history will be further enhanced on Friday, 14th May with the official opening of the “Raleigh Quarter” by Minister of State for the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring TD. While in Youghal the Minister will also take a tour of the Clockgate Tower and officially open the Boardwalk.
“I also understand that the statutory process to allow for a foreshore licence to be granted for the Waste Water Treatment Plant will soon be concluded, hopefully in the coming weeks. Work should then begin on this vital project straight away.
“Finally, I would like to commend everyone in Cork County Council (East Cork Municipal District), Youghal Chamber of Tourism and Development, Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group and other groups and volunteers for all their work and effort in developing and promoting Youghal.
