Cork County Council welcomes the allocation of €500,000 from the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2018 for the Youghal Eco Boardwalk. This amount is the maximum amount available under this scheme.
This funding will enable Cork County Council to continue this coastal walking route from Youghal Town Centre to Redbarn. Phase I of this project, a stretch of 378 meters, was opened in March 2012 and since that date has drawn huge numbers of locals and international visitors on a daily basis to the boardwalk and beach area throughout the year. The amenity has delivered a significant tourism and economic boost to the local economy. It is fully wheelchair accessible and has proven helpful for the elderly, those with buggies and those who might have difficulty moving on the sand. It stands approximately 4 meters above the sand level.
The second phase of approx 825 meters will see the route of the walkway run from Claycastle to Redbarn, adjacent to the dunes and reed beds of Ballyvergan Marsh. The €500,000 funding from the Outdoor Recreation Scheme 2018 will allow the development of a section of phase 2 and as further funding becomes available the project will be completed to Redbarn.
The timing of the works to be undertaken with this allocation of €500,000 is currently being examined and will have due regard to ecological and other considerations. However, Cork County Council is confident that 2019 will see the completion of a further section of this hugely popular amenity.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Patrick Gerard Murphy has expressed delight with the project, noting that “the Coast of County Cork is one of its greatest assets, both as a tourist offering and for the people of Cork. I’m immensely proud of the work Cork County Council has done in Youghal to improve accessibility for all comers”.
Chief Executive Tim Lucey praised the progress, stating “this is a critical project for tourism and well-being in Youghal. Providing infrastructure like this helps us to enhance the profile of the town, making it a more attractive place to live, work and visit”.
Issued by Cork County Council
December 2018