The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, The Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, The Office of Public Works, and Údarás na Gaeltachta have agreed to develop a Visitor Centre close to Pearse’s Cottage in Ros Muc, Connemara. This is the result of recent talks which took place between the parties.
The total cost of the project which will be funded by Údarás na Gaeltachta is estimated to be in excess of €2m. The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív, stated that €1m has been allocated to the project in the 2007 Estimates which were announced today.
The construction will be undertaken as part of Údarás na Gaeltachta’s Capital Programme and, once the development is complete, it will be handed over to the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government as one of the heritage/visitors’ centres under that Department’s ownership. The Office of Public Works will be responsible for the management and administration of the centre, as per its brief for such centres.
It is planned to develop a building of approx. 300 metres, which will comprise of a reception area, an exhibition centre, audiovisual facilities and a tea-room. Parking will also be available adjacent to the centre. It is hoped the visitor centre will raise public interest in Pádraig Pearse, his life, his writings, the Irish language and culture.
“It is certain that the Ros Muc area, along with the tourism industry in the region will benefit greatly from the planned visitor centre”, said Pádraig Ó hAoláin, Chief Executive of Údarás na Gaeltachta. “Such strategic investment is necessary in this area, which is underdeveloped as regards tourist facilities”
A working group will be established in the New Year between the related parties to advance the project.