Just a few thoughts on this plan and in general for Cahersiveen.
- Decrease the speed limit on both The Rocky Road and Top Street/Barr Na Sráide. The current 80km per hour speed limit is simply too fast considering the narrow roads, the dangerous blind bends, plus the limited opportunities to pull in safely and comfortably (as a pedestrian, cyclist, parent with child/buggy, etc.) when an incoming car/van/truck/tractor is approaching.
- Build an outdoor swimming pool. There appears to be a suitable location at the Marina where I am told the people of the town learned to swim long ago. Apparently there are already plans in place to build this since the 1970s.
- Build a Leisure Park similar to The Mardyke Arena in Cork City, i.e. 400m running track, indoor swimming pool, gym, indoor courts (basketball, squash, etc.), climbing wall, etc. As many as 40+ Clubs, Schools and Societies across the Iveragh Peninsula could directly benefit from this on a weekly basis. The land between Coláiste na Sceilge and St. Mary’s GAA, for example, could be an ideal location. Coláiste students in particular, at a key time in their lives, could hugely benefit from quick access to these facilities.
- Build other leisure/sport facilities such as a driving range, pitch and putt course, tennis courts, padel courts, etc.
- Build new accommodation for tourists, residents (who are currently renting), and new residents to the town. Additionally, there is no shortage of derelict buildings/ruins in the surrounding area that people are just ‘hanging onto’, whereas young families in particular would love an opportunity to repurpose these derelict buildings as homes.
- Repair/build adequate pathways and cycle lanes, taking into account special consideration for wheelchair users and the visually impaired.
- Build an allotment style Community Garden where people can grow their own food in a socially inclusive setting. Perhaps including an on-site space to cook and eat communally, as well as grow together.
- Purchase and repurpose the old School/Community Hall (located directly below/beside Scoil Saidhbhín) into a useful space for our schoolchildren, who are our future. For example, a new School Hall to host plays and musicals for the school and wider Community, an AstroTurf pitch, school garden, etc. Or perhaps pitch the idea to our children and let them decide.