Cullen Announces Over 11 Million Euro In Tourism Development Grants

Six of the country's key visitor attractions in counties Cork, Wicklow, Kilkenny, Wexford and Roscommon are to receive funding support of up to €11.2 million for reinvestment in their tourism product under Fáilte Ireland's Tourism Capital Investment Programme, according to Martin Cullen, T.D., the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism.

The funding will allow for the further development of three historic houses, their gardens, collections and visitor experiences in Cork, Kilkenny and Wicklow; the transformation of a museum in Roscommon into an international centre for the interpretation of the Irish Famine; the further development of the visitor experience of life on board a famine ship, located in Wexford and improvements to a six hundred year old castle located in Cork.

The six visitor attractions to receive support are Fota House and Gardens, Fota Island, Carrigtwohill, Co Cork, (to receive €1,700,490); Russborough, Blessington, Co Wicklow, (to receive €2,251,351); Rothe House, Kilkenny, (to receive €1,964,000); Dunbrody Famine Ship, South Quay, New Ross, Co Wexford, (to receive €1,887,001); Strokestown Famine Museum, Strokestown Park, Co Roscommon, (to receive €2,293,046) and Blarney Castle, Blarney, Co Cork (to receive €1,097,583).

This allocation of funding is in addition to over €29 million in grants which have been announced over the last two years.

Speaking of the additional funding, Cullen said: "I am delighted to announce this Capital Investment funding of almost €11.2 million to these visitor attractions.

"While international and domestic economic factors are creating a challenging trading environment for the tourism sector at present, it is important that we continue to invest in our tourism product, so we can be best placed to take full advantage when more favourable economic conditions return.

"The projects for which funding is being announced today are excellent examples of existing attractions which will benefit from funding for upgrading and development and which will further enhance the tourism product on offer to tourists."

Minister Cullen continued: "Funding totalling €14.8 million has been provided throughout 2008 to support investment in our key tourism infrastructure, attractions and visitor activity facilities which are in need of upgrading and development, and to bring on stream new products and experiences to meet the needs of a more discerning international and domestic tourist."