Collins museum to form part of Clon’s €1m renewal
The proposed museum is at a Georgian house at 7 Emmet Square, where Collins stayed with his sister while attending classes in the town.
Native oak trees are being planted and a fountain is being installed in a public park.
A new gateway providing access from the nearby Michael Collins statue into the park is being installed. Another gate from the park will open onto the planned museum about the revolutionary fighter’s life.
Meanwhile, Astna Square, at the opposite end of the West Cork town, is also receiving a facelift as part of the urban renewal project, estimated to cost in the region of €600,000.
“It’s a project for the betterment of the town and it’s a very important year for Clonakilty — we have the Clon 400 celebrations all year, and this is also the year of the Gathering,” said town clerk Justin England, who added that the work was expected to be completed by April 30, in time for a visit to the town by President Michael D Higgins in May.
“The square has been worked on in bits and pieces over the years but has never had a complete or holistic project. Now, however, we’re taking it on as a project,” he said, adding that the funding for the project had been set aside over the years and there was now sufficient money available to carry out the work.
Tenders have been received for major renovation work at 7 Emmet Square and a contractor will be appointed to carry out the facelift. Mr England said an “exhibition specialist” had also been engaged to help the town council draw up a blueprint for the museum.
“The museum will display artefacts relating to the times and the history of Michael Collins. It will have an interpretative element about the man and his history,” he said.
A final figure for the overall cost of the work was not yet available, he said, but it was estimated it would cost in the region of €500,000.
On top of this, works including a new surface water drainage system were being carried out by the National Roads Authority on the town’s N71 bypass from the roundabout at Scally’s Supervalu to the Dunnes Stores/Maxol roundabout.
“The year 2013 is a very important year for Clonakilty, and these urban renewal schemes will significant contribute to the betterment of the town and will be enjoyed both by local residents and visitors alike,” he said.
