Visitor Centre at leading Offaly tourist location to get major upgrade

MINISTER of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kevin “Boxer” Moran TD, has welcomed the signing of a contract with Kelbuild Ltd for the major redevelopment of the visitor centre at Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly.

The project has been awarded €7.8million in funding through Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, which is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition fund.

This significant project is being delivered through a strategic partnership between the Office of Public Works, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Fáilte Ireland.

The redevelopment is a flagship investment under the EU Just Transition Fund (EU JTF), supporting sustainable regional development and tourism diversification in the Midlands.

The redevelopment will include the construction of a new extension, refurbishment of the existing visitor centre, and the provision of a new interpretation and exhibition space incorporating immersive audio-visual experiences and digital interactivity. External works will include a new entrance courtyard, improved coach and car parking, and enhanced wayfinding and landscaping.

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Welcoming the milestone, Minister Moran said: “I am delighted to be here today to witness this significant milestone in progressing works at one of Ireland’s most significant early Christian monastic sites. Supported through the EU Just Transition Fund, the project aims to protect the site’s archaeological heritage and support regional tourism and economic diversification. Upon completion of this project, the Visitor Centre at Clonmacnoise will increase visitor capacity and improve the overall visitor experience.”

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD said: “The Clonmacnoise Visitor Centre is a significant project under Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme and it’s great to see this begin to take shape. This investment of €7.8 million further strengthens the sustainable tourism development across the Midlands and enhancing the region’s unique cultural and natural assets.

The EU Just Transition Fund continues to play a vital role in supporting economic diversification, creating employment, and delivering long term benefits for communities and local businesses across Offaly and the wider region. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have as works progress and to further developments in the months ahead as we continue to deliver transformative projects for the Midlands.”

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien TD said: “I am delighted to see this important project moving to delivery. The enhancements to the historic site of Clonmacnoise will result in a fantastic amenity for the area, and for visitors to the area. The EU Just Transition Fund, overseen by my Department, represents an overall commitment to the Midlands area of €169m through Government and EU co-funding. Over €120 million has been awarded to date to almost 180 projects in the wider Midlands area enhancing the region as a place to live, work, invest, and visit.”

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Christopher O’Sullivan TD commented on the significant archaeological importance of the site: “Clonmacnoise is one of our most cherished ecclesiastical sites and iconic national monuments. Its heritage significance cannot be overstated. To that end, we are pleased to have worked closely with our project partners across OPW and Fáilte Ireland to ensure the visitor infrastructure development reflects that significance. The planned new interpretation as part of this project will provide a refreshed and updated understanding of the site and its remarkable story, ensuring the many thousands of people who visit this site can fully appreciate the many layers of its archaeological and historical importance.”

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Mary Stack, Head of Product Development – Attractions at Fáilte Ireland, said: “Fáilte Ireland is pleased to mark the beginning of construction at the Clonmacnoise Visitor Centre. This significant investment of over €7.8 million through our Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union under the EU Just Transition Fund, will greatly enhance the visitor experience at one of Ireland’s most important heritage sites and a key attraction within Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

The redevelopment of the Visitor Centre at Clonmacnoise will significantly enhance tourism in Offaly and across the wider Midlands by offering an even more compelling experience at this iconic heritage site. This investment will support local tourism businesses and deliver lasting benefits for the surrounding community. We look forward to continued collaboration with the OPW, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) as we work together to deliver this transformative project."

A/Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) Clare Bannon said: “EMRA is pleased to see the commencement of works at the Clonmacnoise Visitor Centre. The redevelopment of the Clonmacnoise Visitor Centre demonstrates the value of targeted EU Just Transition funding in delivering meaningful outcomes for communities and local businesses in Offaly and across the wider region. This project also reflects the strong partnership between Government Departments, Fáilte Ireland, the Office of Public Works, and EMRA, and we look forward to seeing the long term benefits this transformative project will deliver for Offaly and surrounding areas.”

The Office of Public Works will manage and deliver the capital works programme, ensuring all works are carried out in accordance with best practice in conservation, environmental management and visitor experience.

The monastic site at Clonmacnoise will remain open to the public during the construction phase. Temporary facilities, including public toilets and a Welcome Hub, are in place to ensure continuity of visitor services.

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