Schull Town Reactivation Plan 2020 – Phase 2 June 8th
As the country moves into the next phase of the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions on June 8th we look forward to seeing more shops re-open and wish everyone Good Luck in their endeavours. Over the last few days and weeks it has been heartening to see more doors open and to get a renewed sense of positivity about the place.
Cork County Council, as part of its Activating County Towns project, has undertaken a number of measures designed to give confidence to communities as the re-opening proceeds. We are delighted that Schull has been included in the list of towns to be prioritised by Cork County Council at this difficult time. Following extensive consultation with a wide variety of sectors within the community, a Schull Town Reactivation Plan has been drawn up. The principle aim of the plan is to make Schull a safer and more welcoming place thereby encouraging all members of the community to visit and do business here.
In order for Schull to reopen, certain alterations must be carried out to ensure that social distancing can be adhered to. These alterations have taken into account the needs of the businesses and the needs of the wider community.
Already the Council has done a deep clean of the streets, re-opened the public toilets, and de-cluttered footpaths. The next step in the plan is to increase available pavement space by installing temporary bollards, broadening the pavements wherever possible. Age Friendly/Time Limited Parking spaces will be strategically placed on Main Street and will be adequately sign posted. Consideration will be made for delivery vehicles and the use of the free public car parks will be encouraged. This will allow space for social distancing which is essential for everyone to feel safe. Additional Age Friendly/parking for the vulnerable will be designated in the East End car park. Cork County Council plan to repaint all double yellow lines / junction boxes throughout the town and to give indications of 2-metre distancing along footpaths.
Social distancing will significantly limit the internal space of most premises in Schull. The additional space created by the temporary bollards will allow for some street furniture to be placed outside businesses. Planters and flower boxes with seating attached will also be utilised to make the streetscape more appealing. Some temporary awnings/canopies will be permitted, so long as they are safe and do not interfere with pedestrians. Extra planters, picnic tables and bins will be made available on the foreshore and pier and the temporary pontoon will be re-installed.
New equipment has been ordered for the upgrading of the playground but Due to Covid-19 the production and installation has been unavoidably delayed. The Council now hopes to have the installation done in July.
Tidy Towns has acquired a new bicycle stand which will be installed at the top of East End car park. Tidy Towns have also kindly agreed to sponsor hanging baskets and/or planters.
As we progress through the phases of re-opening, alterations may be made to the plan based on more businesses opening up and feedback on how the changes are enhancing social distancing requirements.
Sincere thanks goes out to Cork County Council for the work they are doing in making Schull a safe and welcome place to visit for the wider community.
