Old Head Signal Tower could become significant tourist attraction

Minister of State, Brian Hayes TD, last week described the efforts of the Courcey’s Rural Development Committee as commendable and inspirational following a visit to the Old Head Signal Tower project at Kinsale with local Fine Gael Deputy, Jim Daly.

Speaking following the visit, Deputy Daly said: ‘The project to restore and renovate the Old Head Signal Tower began back in 2010 when a sub-committee of Courcey’s Rural Development Association was set up to investigate the possibilities of developing the Tower and its surrounding grounds. A feasibility study was undertaken and the development concept is to restore the Tower as a panoramic viewing point, with a view to using the internal Tower as a space to illustrate its significance and history to visitors. There are also further plans to build an underground museum for Lusitania interpretation and to build a visitor centre including a cafe and craft shop.

“Full planning permission has been granted for the renovation of the Tower and the project is currently the subject of a Leader funding application. As the site is owned by the OPW, the committee requested, though my office, that Minister Hayes, who has responsibility for the OPW, would visit the project and see first-hand the potential to develop this attraction for locals and visitors alike.”

On visiting the site, Minister Hayes said: ‘The progress made to date by the committee is truly commendable and inspirational. I will certainly offer my support in any way I can to help this project succeed. I will be liaising with my colleague Minister Hogan, whose Department has responsibility for Leader funding, to ensure he is fully aware of the significant progress made by this committee so far. Bringing the project to a full planning permission status was no easy task. The committee is to be commended for its work’.