Cork County Council has been awarded nearly €100,000 in funding to advance two Town Centre First Projects in Kinsale and Ladysbridge, County Cork.

The projects are part of a group of 53 announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphries TD. The funding will support pre-development activities and associated costs, including detailed design, planning, procurement, professional fees, assessments and other development expenses.

In Ladysbridge, the plan is to create a multifunctional community hub for the East Cork village and its surrounding areas. This development will feature a remote working hub with managed offices and meeting rooms, as well as a full-time childcare facility.

The Kinsale project focuses on redeveloping Short Quay into a new town centre plaza, designed as a gathering space for both the community and tourists to host events.

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Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Joe Carroll said: "This new funding will enable these projects to take a massive step forward. They both have huge potential to transform their local areas. The parochial community hall in Ladysbridge has served the community well since it was built 70 years ago however, it needs modernisation. I would like to commend the Ballymacoda Ladybridge Community Council and Ladybridge Hall Committee for their vision and incredible work to date. The Short Quay area of Kinsale has long been flagged as needing regeneration and its development will benefit local businesses, residents and tourists."

Welcoming the announcement, Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murell, added: "These two projects are among a range of regeneration measures Cork County Council is actively progressing across towns in the county, in areas such as sustainable travel, property activation and public realm enhancements."

The Ladysbridge project has been awarded the maximum funding of €50,000, which will be allocated towards developing detailed construction drawings and conducting preparatory groundworks.

The Kinsale development has secured €49,050 to cover the cost of a topographical survey and design work by a consulting engineer. Additionally, an archaeologist will be engaged to contribute to the design process and assist with the planning permission submission.