Lord Mayor Marks Completion of Blarney and Tower Town and Village Renewal Scheme Projects
29/06/2026
The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Damian Boylan, marked the successful completion of a series of enhancement projects in Blarney and Tower, funded under the 2023 Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS), during a series of visits to both communities on Thursday, 25 June 2026
Delivered by Cork City Council in partnership with local community groups, the projects have significantly enhanced public amenities, recreational spaces and community infrastructure, contributing to their continued development as vibrant and attractive places to live and visit.
In Blarney, the programme supported a range of improvements, including upgrades to the well-used Waterloo Walk, the installation of a new viewing platform at Clogheenmilcon Fen, and enhancement works at Blarney Community Centre, including upgraded facilities and essential roof repairs.
In Tower, landscaping works have transformed the village centre, improving its visual appeal and creating a more welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.
Speaking following the visits, the Lord Mayor said:
“It was a pleasure to visit Blarney and Tower and see first-hand the positive impact of these Town and Village Renewal Scheme projects. These improvements reflect the strong collaboration between Cork City Council and local communities and demonstrate what can be achieved through targeted investment in our towns and villages. The enhanced amenities will benefit residents and visitors alike, supporting community wellbeing, encouraging greater use of these spaces, and strengthening the vibrancy of these areas into the future.”
Niall Ó Donnabháin, Director of Services, Planning & Integrated Development, Cork City Council, added:
“The completion of these projects marks a significant step in the continued delivery of high-quality public realm and community infrastructure across Cork City’s towns and villages. Through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, we are working closely with communities to bring forward impactful, place-based projects that enhance accessibility, support local activity, and improve the overall quality of life. The successful delivery of these initiatives in Blarney and Tower is a testament to the strong collaboration between the Cork City Council team and local stakeholders.”
The works overseen by Cork City Council, were delivered in close partnership with local stakeholders including Tower Community Association, Waterloo Renewal Group, Brand Blarney and Blarney Community Association.
Building on this momentum, Cork City Council has secured additional funding under the 2025 Town and Village Renewal Scheme, supporting further investment across a number of locations. Projects include the upgrade and resurfacing of the car park at O’Shea Park in Blarney, the extension of the playground in Tower, enhancement works at Ballycannon Park and Community Centre in Kerry Pike, and accessibility and energy upgrades at Upper Glanmire Community Centre, together forming a strong pipeline of community and recreational improvements across the wider city area.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme, funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development, and Cork City Council, supports the revitalisation of towns and villages through investment in public realm, community infrastructure and place-making initiatives.