'Just the first phase'

The absence of any Waterford-specific funding from the first phase of the ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’ initiative, which totals €1.8 million should not be viewed as a snub to the city or county. That was, in essence, the response issued from both Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Tourism after its initial investment into 12 different sites throughout the ‘Ancient East’ didn’t include a Waterford project.
A Fáilte Ireland spokesperson told The Munster Express: “The funding announced (on Wednesday last) follows a Fáilte Ireland call out for submissions from interested parties across the region and a subsequent assessment which applied criteria relating to the aims and objectives of Ireland’s Ancient East.”
She added: “However, it should be noted that this is only the first phase of announcements and Fáilte Ireland are currently assessing a number of further applications (including candidates from Waterford) from the original call. Fáilte Ireland will be announcing further funding for other projects before the end of the year where it is expected that Waterford will feature.”
The only projects relatively ‘local’ to Waterford which gained funding last week were the Hook Lighthouse across the Estuary, which is to receive an €80,000 injection. According to the Department of Tourism: “The development of a new ‘Watchtower Experience’ within the existing site at Hook Lighthouse will bring to life the characters and stories of Hook Lighthouse, the shipwrecks and sea stories, all a testament of the 800 years of lighthouse keeping at this iconic site.
“The modern watchtower structure provides panoramic vistas of the seascape and with supporting sound and video interpretation, the modern lighthouse keeper and that of his wife’s story will be told.”
Meanwhile, in Kilkenny city, the St Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower Interpretation Project will benefit to the tune of €80,000 from the new initiative.
According to the Department: “The interpretation enhancements proposed include the provision of guided tours, the use of re-enactments, virtual tours and augmented reality along with interpretative installations. Multi-lingual interpretation will be available throughout.”
In last week’s edition, we revealed Waterford City & County Council’s intention to acquire Tramore’s Metalman site by Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) if necessary, to finally open the site to tourists.
While the Department of Tourism didn’t offer a specific comment to this newspaper in relation to the potential Metalman project, a spokesperson confirmed that Minister Paschal Donohoe is “aware that a number of interested parties in Waterford (have) sought funding” via Ireland’s Ancient East.
The spokesperson added: “However, this is a matter for Fáilte Ireland who determines allocations.
“It should be noted that this is just the first phase of announcements and that Fáilte Ireland is currently assessing a number of further applications, including candidates from Waterford, from the original call.
“Fáilte Ireland will be announcing further funding for other projects before the end of the year where it is expected that Waterford will feature.”
Fáilte Ireland Chief Executive Shaun Quinn commented: “We are working directly with businesses and communities on the ground to bring this new experience brand alive.
“During the assessment phase for this capital funding, we were incredibly impressed by the enthusiasm and high quality of ideas within the proposals that we received.
“Last Wednesday’s funding is just the first phase in capital supports to improve and augment the great variety of attractions already in the region and we will be in a position to announce further grants in the near future.”