Minister Michael Ahern launches Youghal Regeneration Strategy

Minister for Trade and Commerce Michael Ahern T.D., today (Friday 30^th September 2005) officially launched the Youghal Town Council Heritage Regeneration Strategy Programme 2005-2012

Speaking in Youghal the Minister paid tribute to the initiative of the Council in producing such a dynamic and far reaching plan. Minister Ahern said “The study area for this strategy includes the areas of the Medieval Walled Town and its immediate environs and the water front area, which encapsulates the hub of commercial life in Youghal. The aim of this strategy is to address a number of issues concerning the economic and physical regeneration of the historic centre of the town, through measures which are primarily aimed at the protection, conservation and enhancement of its built heritage”.

“The strategy will be phased over a seven year period and proposes ways in which the heritage resources of the town can be used as a catalyst for urban regeneration and tourism growth. The strategy includes increasing business and community confidence and improving the conditions under which cultural and marine tourism will thrive”, Minister Ahern added.

Minister Ahern paid tribute to the membersof Youghal Town Council, Cork County Council, Youghal Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, the Heritage Council and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. “These bodies, by working together, will be the ones that will make this strategy a reality, shaping the environment of Youghal for many years to come. I believe that this project is fundamental to Youghal and also will be a huge success for the town and I look forward to seeing the various aspects of it implemented”, Minister Ahern concluded

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