Cork County Council has unveiled a number of measures to support communities, businesses and industry as they look to recover from the impact of COVID-19.
Project “ACT”, or Activating County Towns, will see newly formed Town Teams working on individual plans for 23 towns in County Cork designed to stimulate and support the economy.
Project “ACT” is being run across Cork County Council’s eight Municipal Districts with the support of Elected Members, and will see the creation of multi-sectoral teams with a targeted focus on rebuilding the economy and community life in their areas.
As a first step, a fund worth €6 million has been committed to support community, festival, events and town enhancement works. The council say this will be used to build upon the remarkable community resilience that has been sustained since restrictions were introduced in mid-March.
The 23 new Town Teams have been working to introduce specific enhanced physical distancing and pedestrian friendly zones in each location. This will include the inclusion of additional footpath space, some changes to traffic flow and outdoor supports for businesses requiring socially distanced queueing.
Project ACT will also see funding released through a mix of capital investment and business supports designed to help stimulate the Cork economy during the phased lifting of the COVID-19 lockdown.
Commenting on the initiative, County Mayor Councillor, Ian Doyle said, "Cork County Council will work closely with communities and businesses as we manage our way out of the current crisis. Our message is simple - Cork County Council will walk with you on every step of the road to recovery."
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey added, "There are many challenges that lie ahead, but by taking this action now and investing in our communities and our businesses, we can plan with a degree of confidence. From making public spaces suitable for social distancing, to supporting businesses through various initiatives, Cork County Council will do everything it can to support the entire community."
Source: www.businessworld.ie
