Tony Killeen
Question:87 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the level of funding which will be made available to expand and upgrade the Burren Centre in Kilfenora, County Clare. [20187/96]
Written Answers. - County Clare Visitor Centres.
Tony Killeen
Question:88 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the plans, if any, he has to construct a visitors' centre in the Corofin area of County Clare; if so, whether a site has been chosen in this regard; whether there is any site currently on offer; the amount of money available in respect of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20188/96]
Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 87 agus Uimh. 88 le chéile.
The Burren National Park study, which was commissioned by me, was set in the context of a strategy for the wider north Clare area and published in February last as a discussion document for public consultation over a 12 week period in which a wide range of views were welcomed and received. The report addresses the issues raised by the Deputy in his questions.
This study recommended, inter alia, that visitors to the Burren be encouraged to disperse throughout the area in order to gain first-hand experience of the natural and cultural environment. The integration of the various elements that contribute to the wholeness of north Clare should be emphasised and interaction with the host community encouraged.
Interpretation, however and wherever presented, should reflect the interconnectedness and integrity of the area. While this presentation of the wholeness of the north Clare story is recommended, it does not preclude the placing of emphasis on particular characteristics or attributes of any area where presentation is so provided. The study goes on to point out that in the interests of retaining the visitor for a longer period in the north Clare area, the visitor should not be given the same view at each experience, centre or facility. Rather, different pieces of the overall story should be conveyed at each experience or location, albeit placed in the overall context. This should allow the visitor to assemble the overall story of the natural and cultural environment of the area from the various pieces provided.
This approach allows for a variety/combination of presentation methods, for example, built centres, guides, printed material, tapes, etc. Such a provision of information and interpretation, in whatever format, should be of appropriate scale to each specific location. Furthermore, the study recognises that Kilfenora, Corofin and Ballyvaughan have been identified as the best locations in terms of their position on the road network.
At present, various options for the development of facilities at these locations are under investigation, including the question of available funding, and a final decision will be made in due course.