Developments for the future of Bandon

Please find below some details of a Press Release highlighting a study of Bandon that will be taking place over the next few months. This study, being run in conjunction with Cork County Council and other local interest groups will be used to help develop our town.

Press Release
June 13th 2007

Exciting Times Ahead For Bandon.

Bandon Action Group
The Bandon Action Group, a voluntary organisation is pleased to announce some interesting developments with regard to the future planning of the town:

Members:
The group consists of members of the Cork County Council, Bandon Town Council, Bandon Development Committee, Bandon Traders and the Bandon Chamber of Commerce.

Objective:
The objective is to help create an even better Bandon. Bandon has not reached its full potential and a range of issues needs to be addressed. This is being done through contact with Cork County Council. To reach full potential, a detailed, focussed, achievable plan needs to be agreed upon by all interest groups.

Method:
This is being done by creating a Bandon Action Programme which will detail where the future of the town is going. This can only be done through effective local development policies which require partnership between the local community, business interests, property owners and local authorities / other public sector organisations.

Local Area Plan
This programme will be organised in conjunction with the Bandon Local Area Plan.

Future Developments
Future developments that will be taking place in the town include a sewerage scheme that will involve substantial excavation of streets in the town centre which is scheduled for c. Summer 2008 and decisions by An Bord Pleanala confirming permission for 460 houses in the North West of the town.

Action Programme
These changes, along with many others stress the need for a programme for the development of the town.

Areas for Review:
In order to do so, an Action Plan is about to created as a blue-print for town development. A study will be undertaken by a consultancy group to examine various aspects of Bandon. Topic headings include:
Refurbishment of the public realm following upgrades to infrastructure
Parking,
Infrastructure,
Local Amenities,
Environmental Issues,
Conservation,
Public Walks,
Town Promotion & Civic Events,
Consumer Services and
Other related headings.

Submissions & Consultancy
The Bandon Development Committee requested submissions from the public about local concerns; these have been submitted to the council. The consultancy group that will be hired shall also look for suggestions about other Bandon related matters.

Funding:
50% of the costs involved with hiring the Consultancy firm will come from the Cork County council and the remaining 50% will be covered through local funding.

Deadlines:
Tenders will be publicised to hire a Consultancy group in the very near future. The successful group should start their Town Study in September and it is expected the finalised report will be published in January 2008.

Importance of Report
This final report shall be used, in conjunction with the Bandon local Area Plan as a route to the future improvement of the town.

Inclusiveness:
This report is to make the town better for all. It is in everyone’s interest to get involved in planning for the future.

Thanks to:
A lot has been done and a lot more needs to be done. Where we are at the moment could not have taken place without the help of Mr Noel O’Keeffe (Cork County Council), Mr Nicholas Manseragh (Cork County Council), Mr Ray Crowley (Cork County Council), Cllr Veronica Neville, Mayor Pat Connolly, Mr Conor Slattery (Bandon Chamber of Commerce), Mr Gus O’Brien (Bandon Chamber of Commerce) and Mr Trevor Collins (Bandon Development Committee)