Former Clonmacnoise shop to provide visitor services during redevelopment work

A Fáilte Ireland building which was previously used as a shop at Clonmacnoise is due to be brought back into use to provide services to visitors while work is taking place on the current €10 million revamp of the heritage site's visitor centre.

A major overhaul of the visitor centre got underway in recent months, and details of interim measures being taken during the project were outlined by OPW Minister Kevin 'Boxer' Moran in response to a Dáil question from Offaly TD Carol Nolan.

Deputy Nolan had sought a "progress update" on issues at Clonmacnoise and received a response from Minister Moran on Thursday last, June 11.

As part of his reply, the OPW Minister said the former Fáilte Ireland building at the site was being brought back into use.

This building was previously used "for retail purposes," said 'Boxer', but it will now "provide a temporary facility to support visitor services and community engagement during the redevelopment works".

He added that "initial works to make the building suitable for interim public use, including cleaning, repainting, and installation of interpretative materials," were now "being advanced".

"This will ensure that, in the short term, visitors will continue to have access to appropriate amenities and interpretive content while works on the main visitor centre progress," he said.

He went on to say this building would remain in use in the longer-term.

"Looking ahead, this building will form part of the long-term visitor and education infrastructure at Clonmacnoise, incorporating enhanced interpretation, accessibility improvements including a Changing Places facility, and dedicated space for education and engagement.

"The OPW acknowledges the disruption caused by the temporary closure of retail services and continues to work to ensure that alternative provisions are delivered in a timely manner," 'Boxer' added.

"The overarching objective remains to protect and enhance the heritage significance of Clonmacnoise while delivering a modern, accessible, and sustainable visitor experience."

Earlier this year, the contract for the Clonmacnloise Visitor Centre project was awarded to Kelbuild Ltd, which has offices in Dublin and Mullingar.

The development, which is being funded by the Just Transition project in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland and central Government, is due to "significantly enhance conservation, interpretation, accessibility, and visitor facilities at the site".

It was previously outlined that the newly modernised visitor centre should be ready to open to the public in the Spring of 2027.

Deputy Nolan welcomed the Minister's response.

"Clonmacnoise is one of Ireland's most significant heritage sites and an important asset for Offaly and the wider Midlands," she said.

"I have continued to raise this matter because visitors and local businesses need certainty and good services while the main redevelopment is underway. It is also why I am so concerned about the proposed major wind turbine development at proposed Drumlosh Wind Farm on Cornafulla Bog, which could significantly and adversely impact Clonmacnoise.

"We cannot have one agency of the state working to enhance Clonmacnoise while this direct threat is being advanced," she said.

The Independent Offaly TD said she would continue to seek regular updates on timelines and the delivery of the work on site in order to "ensure maximum benefit for the region from this public investment".