Minister of State in the Department of Finance, Brian Hayes has taken Minister Seán Sherlock up on his invitation to north Cork to view a number of projects in the area on Tuesday next, November 26th.

“Minister Hayes and I have been liaising very closely over the projects underway by the Office of Public Works in this region,” Minister Sherlock told The Avondhu this week.

“I am delighted to welcome him back to north Cork to view the work being done by the OPW and the local Steering Group, which comprises  representatives of Cork County Council, Ballyhoura Development, local State agencies and local volunteers. We have secured over half a million euro investment in Doneraile National Park over the last two and half years.”

He stressed that the work is not yet finished in Doneraile. “We’re not stopping just yet,” he said. “The next item on the agenda is the opening of the ground floor for access to all visitors to the park. Doneraile Court has a special place in the pantheon of historic houses in Ireland and has massive potential which we intend to see realised.”

Minister Sherlock also highlighted ongoing developments including the future of Annesgrove Gardens, which he said has historically provided a significant role in promoting tourism ventures in the region. He added:“We are looking too at the potential of Mallow Castle which forms a huge part of the local history of this area.”

Minister Hayes will also visit Mallow to view the ongoing flood alleviation works being undertaken by the Office of Public Works in the town. It’s hoped he will be able to fit in a visit to Fermoy to view progress on the flood works there as well.