Ireland
UK
Scotland
London
Cork County Council is set to advance significant construction and regeneration projects following the recent Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) allocations.
An amount of €772,000 has been secured for the Old Steam Mill in Skibbereen and €340,000 for Camden Fort Meagher, with Cork County Council providing the remaining 20% of project costs. These allocations will fund feasibility studies, detailed design, specifications, resource planning, and the Part VIII process for both sites.
The Old Steam Mill, purchased by Cork County Council in 2018, is of national and international significance, having housed Ireland’s first large-scale soup kitchen during the Great Famine. The RRDF funding will support its regeneration as part of the Skibbereen Town Centre First Plan and Fáilte Ireland’s West Cork Coast Destination Experience Development Plan.
At Camden Fort Meagher, a historic site dating back to 1690, the funding will enable a heritage-sensitive Regeneration Plan. This plan aims to enhance the visitor experience and lay the groundwork for a future Category 1 capital funding application to develop the fort. The project also aligns with Fáilte Ireland's Cork City, Harbour, and East Cork Destination and Experience Development Plan.
Additional RRDF support has been awarded to projects developed in collaboration with Avondhu Blackwater Partnership CLG. Carraig na bhFear Community, Civic and Sports Centre will receive €139,080 for a new community facility, while the Blackwater Experience (Pillar 2): Nature-Based Regeneration for Fermoy is allocated €722,873. These projects reflect coordinated planning between Cork County Council and local partners to deliver community-focused construction initiatives.
Cork County Council Chief Executive Moira Murrell stated: "Developing and preserving our heritage for future generations is of vital importance to Cork County Council, so we welcome this funding from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund for the development of these local amenities in order to enrich our communities."
