West Cork town hails vital purchase of key site

Cork Co Council has acquired the West End Yard from Drinagh Co-Op

Some of the members of the Dunmanway committee who have lobbied to buy the West End Yard: Tim Buckley, chair of Dunmanway Chamber of Commerce; Senator Noel O Donovan, Catherine O'Brien, and Cllr Deirdre Kelly. The Chamber also hailed the work of Cllr Daniel Sexton and Deputy Christopher O Sullivan.

Cork County Council has completed the acquisition of the West End Yard in Dunmanway, seen as a "gamechanging" development for local business in the West Cork town.

The Council acquired the site, which includes a car park and protected building in the heart of the town, from Drinagh Co-Op. Dunmanway Chamber of Commerce has held a campaign for over past three years, lobbying Cork Co Council to complete the purchase. 

"We are delighted to hear word that the sale of the West End car park and building to Cork Co Council has been completed," said Tim Buckley, chair of Dunmanway Chamber. "This is a huge amenity for Dunmanway but there were a lot of complications. The opportunity to develop this area with much needed parking can completely change the demographics of our town."

Mr Buckley said that currently, 70% of traffic goes directly through Dunmanway without stopping, and that the lack of parking space near the main square means local businesses missing out.

"Around 70% of cars pretty much drive straight through the town because there is no car park near the square. They physically can't find anywhere to park and stop. With the correct layout, they will now be able to park 30 seconds from the square," said Mr Buckley. 

The West End Yard site measures about 2.5 acres.

Dunmanway Chamber of Commerce are now calling for a public consultation in the town with submissions from local people on what elements should be incorporated into the newly-acquired site. Mr Buckley said this could mean possible options including a market, public walkways, and green areas. 

The protected building is likely to need funding for development for further community uses. 

Dunmanway Chamber is hopeful now that through "collaborative efforts, consultation process and extra funding", this project can quickly move onto development stage.

 "Dunmanway Chamber of Commerce is grateful to the hard working members of Cork County Council and Drinagh Co-op who through due diligence and attention to detail ensured the timely transaction of this property," a Chamber statement said.