Cork County Council is to receive an allocation of €283,000 under the 2022 Town and Village Renewal Scheme for the development of a viewing platform and associated interpretive signage at Youghal Lighthouse, according to Cork East Constituency TD, David Stanton.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development aims to support small to medium capital projects whose development would greatly enhance town or village centres with funding allocations of between €20,000 and €500,000. The scheme puts particular emphasis on projects that bring vacant and derelict buildings and sites back into use as multi-purpose spaces and further promote local work, shopping, recreation and socialising.
Following confirmation of the allocation, Deputy Stanton said: “I would like to congratulate Cork County Council officials, and all involved in securing funding for the further enhancement of such an historical site. On approach to the town centre from the Cork side and overlooking the bay, the lighthouse remains a constant symbol of Youghal’s maritime heritage since its original construction in the 1840s.
“Youghal Lighthouse represents a historical point linking the town with the local beaches and the Youghal Eco Boardwalk and I am pleased to learn that Cork County Council’s funding application has been successful. The full allocation sought has been granted to allow the construction of a viewing platform which will, on completion, give visitors the opportunity to fully appreciate the view over Youghal Bay.
“Since acquiring the lighthouse in 2014, Cork County Council has made upgrades to improve access to the site while the latest proposed works will see Youghal Lighthouse restored to its original 19th century composition.
“This is another considerable step of many taken in recent years to invest in the enhancement of Youghal’s historic amenities and waterfront facilities. Funding has previously been granted to restore and preserve historical town infrastructure such as the Clock Gate Tower, St Mary’s Collegiate Church, the Town Walls and the Raleigh Quarter while the installation of visitor moorings and the opening of the Youghal Harbour Pontoon and Boardwalk have proved hugely successful.
“This coupled with a dramatic improvement in local water quality through the opening of a new wastewater treatment plant and the variety of beautiful local beaches has seen Youghal become an attractive coastal tourist destination while the town’s reputation has become further enhanced on an international stage in recent years through its hosting of the Ironman event. The work of Cork County Council and other local groups in further developing the town’s tourism offering must be commended and I have no doubt that the latest proposed enhancements at Youghal Lighthouse will attract both local visitors and those from further afield”, concluded David Stanton.
