THE development of a long awaited new car park will take in the region of eight to 10 weeks, the January Comeragh District meeting heard.  

Last year permission was granted for the extension to the existing Mahon Falls car park and additional road lay-bys by An Bord Pleanála. 

The proposal includes the extension and resurfacing of the existing car park to facilitate an additional 46 car parking spaces. It is also planned to provide road lay-bys and the modification of existing lay-bys to allow for safe passing. Ultimately, car parking spaces will increase from 39 to 85. 

Funding of around €200,000 had been previously secured for the project. 

Cathaoirleach of the Comeragh District, Cllr Liam Brazil (FG) welcomed the commencement of work on the new car park at Mahon Falls. Meanwhile, Cllr Brazil said something needs to be done with the sightlines at Mahon Bridge. As a temporary solution he asked for the mirror to be replaced.  

District Engineer, Maria Goff stated that construction had commenced last week on the new car park with a timeframe of between eight to 10 weeks given. Part of the funding allocated to the project is to go towards improvements at existing passing bays, along with the identification of four to five new passing bays. Ms Goff agreed to meet with Cllr Brazil to discuss his concerns about bends leading up to the tourist attraction. She expects that the car park will be complete by the end of March, well in time for the coming tourism season.