Waterford Leader Partnership

Cappoquin Design Statement:

Cappoquin is a town with a population of about 1000 people.  The town is situated in a rural area where agriculture is the predominant land use.  Over the last two to three decades the economics of the town has changed considerably.  During this time the infrastructure of the town has declined with many businesses and institutions closing. With the closure of many businesses the town has now become primarily a residential centre with many properties vacant.  There are many opportunities available to the town which offer the potential to present the locality in a very positive manner and improve its attraction for its residents and visitors alike.  The challenges presented by deteriorating buildings provide an opportunity to prepare ambitious but realistic plans for redevelopment and refurbishment.

Since its establishment in 1993 the Cappoquin Community Development Co Ltd (CCDCL) has grown from strength to strength.  It is committed to improving Cappoquin and its environs, physically, socially and economically.   The new Community Centre is a significant means for the community to realise its goals of having available the most modern of such facilities.  In October 2008, CCDCL approached WLP with their proposal of receiving grant assistance towards the preparation of a Town Design Statement. This plan sought to assess opportunities available and  evaluate threats in the area setting out goals and objectives to be achieved in a coordinated approach.

After numerous community consultations and meetings the Town Design Statement was completed in October 2009.  The committee noted the realistic outcomes of the town design statement in identifying how development can be carried out in harmony with the character and quality of the local area. Most notably the Committee expressed their satisfaction in the realistic and practical outcomes of the Design Statement, allowing CCDC and the local community to implement the majority of these themselves.  The Town Design Statement is available for public viewing at the Cappoquin Community Centre.