An Independent TD for Tipperary is calling for an end to the delays in establishing a visitor interpretive centre for Cashel.
Michael Lowry believes there’s too many organisations from the Office of Public Works to Failte Ireland involved in the process and no decisions are being made.
A recent figures show that the Rock of Cashel is the most visited OPW managed so far this year.
Deputy Lowry says action is now required to urgently identify a site for such a facility.
Mr Lowry says the town centre would benefit from such a facility as those visiting the the Rock of Cashel would have an opportunity to be brought into the town.
Deputy Michael Lowry says the continuing delays in providing a Visitor and Interpretive Centre in Cashel is depriving the town of much-needed revenue.
‘Discussions, consultations and appraisals have been ongoing for years and we have been going around in circles with no conclusions.
We have too many agencies around the table, so what is needed is for someone to get a hold of this issue, give direction and make it happen’ stated Deputy Lowry.
Minister of State, Ossian Smyth, replied that the Office of Public Works is one entity working as part of a collaborative effort in place since mid-2019 together with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Fáilte Ireland and Tipperary County Council to assess options for the development of a new all-purpose visitor facility in the town, which would serve not just the needs of the Rock of Cashel visitor site but also the town of Cashel itself, acting as an engine for economic, tourism and cultural sector growth.
Deputy Lowry responded by saying that ‘The Rock of Cashel is a jewel in the crown of both Tipperary and Irish Tourism. It is the Number One attraction in Ireland’s South-East. It is known worldwide and is a destination of choice for huge numbers of national and international tourists.
‘Cashel has rebounded from Covid. Recent statistics reveal that 170,000 visitors had enjoyed the majestic Rock of Cashel up to August this year. This represented a 69% increase from the previous year. Prior to Covid, upwards of 370,000 people stopped in Cashel, with an average of 1,000 visitors every day.
‘The Magnier family invested heavily to restore Cashel Palace to its former splendour. The town of Cashel has been greatly enhanced by its reopening. It has revitalised the local economy.
‘The Rock of Cashel is one of our prime national attractions. Despite years of planning, it remains without an identified location for a Visitor and Interpretive Centre. This is a glaring omission which must be urgently addressed.
‘Minister, could you tell me how advanced are we in relation to those discussions? he asked.
Minister Smyth replied that there are a number of different sites that have been visited and identified. There will be an assessment of that Report and a decision will be made in the forthcoming weeks’ he stated.
‘Cashel town has an average of 1,000 visitors every day. It is of fundamental importance that the town has the services and attractions in place to allow it to capitalise on this footfall’ said Deputy Lowry.
‘Local businesses benefit when tourists have the opportunity to linger and discover the area, rather than be whisked away on busses.
‘A national tourist attraction of this magnitude requires that all relevant agencies co-operate with a sense of purpose and urgency to deliver an interpretive centre without further delay. So can you tell me Minister where exactly are we at? When do you anticipate that the Steering Group will make a recommendation and when will we have a decision?’ questioned Deputy Lowry.
The Minister outlined the process moving forward as dictated by the Public Spending Code, adding that the Steering Groups of the project are continuing to meet on a regular basis. ‘But what I don’t have are dates or costs at the stage’ he concluded.
