Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 23 Jun 1993

Vol. 432 No. 7

Written Answers. - Céide Fields (Mayo) Interpretative Centre.

Tony Gregory

Question:

53 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the concerns regarding the location of a number of interpretative centres in high amenity areas, he will make a statement regarding the interpretative centre at the Céide Fields, County Mayo.

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Dempsey)

The Céide Fields Interpretative Centre project was initiated by the local community in 1989. Substantial funds were raised by the community towards the cost of the development and various lands including a site for the proposed centre were acquired. In 1990, the Office of Public Works was asked to work with the community to provide the centre and a committee was formed to oversee all aspects of the project. The committee included representatives of the local community, Mayo County Council and the Office of Public Works.

The primary purpose of the interpretative centre is to assist in the conservation of what is the world's largest Stone-Age monument. Visitors to the Céide Fields are brought on a guided tour of the site, and can also see an indoor interpretative exhibition and audio-visual show. The building also allows visitors a panoramic view of the extent of the archaeological site and the spectacular cliffs. The centre is a perfect example of the policy of integrating a facility into the landscape so that visitors can come and enjoy the unique attractions that are to be seen in both the immediate "archaeological park" of 450 acres and also the wider site area of some 2,500 acres.

I appreciate that the Deputy may be concerned at the location of some of these structures in high amenity areas. However, I feel that, having viewed this centre myself at first hand when I performed the official opening there some weeks ago, he need have no worries on that score in this case. The Office of Public Works have married the sometimes conflicting requirements of conservation and visitor access very successfully here. I would invite the Deputy to visit the Céide Fields Centre to view the result for himself. Architecturally the building is significant in its own right.

I should also point out that the Céide Fields Visitor Centre has attracted none of the controversy associated with other projects in Wicklow, Clare and Meath, and that it has received the endorsement of both the local population and many informed commentators. I would refer the Deputy for instance to the report ofThe Irish Times of 29 May last on this matter which no doubt he will find interesting. I will be happy to provide the Deputy with a copy of this report directly. I think it is apparent that there is a wide acknowledgment in many areas that this in a very worthwhle addition to and investment in the tourism infrastructure of the Mayo region and will prove to be a significant and valuable amenity for tourists and native visitors alike.