Daly welcomes €364,000 in funding for restoration of the Signal Tower at the Old Head of Kinsale

Fine Gael Cork South West TD, Jim Daly, has today (Thursday) welcomed the announcement that €364,000 in funding has been approved for the restoration of the Signal Towner at the Old Head of Kinsale, as part of the on-going development of the Wild Atlantic Way. The funding has been announced by the Minister of State for Tourism & Sport, Michael Ring TD.

“This is a very significant level of funding, which will allow for the Signal Tower to be restored as a Panoramic Viewing Point, and will mean that the Old Head of Kinsale will be one of the ‘must-see’ Signature Discovery Points along the Wild Atlantic Way.

“The Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland’s first long-distance touring route, stretching for 2,500km from Donegal to Kinsale. I have no doubt that the route will help to draw thousands of extra tourists to the West, and the fact that the Old Head of Kinsale has been chosen as one of just 15 ‘Wonders of the Wild Atlantic Way’ will mean that the destination is a key spot for visitors along the route.

“The funding approved by Minister Ring will allow for parking facilities to be developed beside the Old Signal Tower, so visitors will be able to park, and take in the full beauty of the incredibly scenic area.

“The Old Head of Kinsale is of major significance in the story of the Lusitania, given that it is the closest point visitors can get to the site of the sinking of the ship. The Lusitania was also significant in terms of US history, and the vantage point should be of particular interest to American visitors, especially in the run up to the centenary of the sinking of the Lusitania on 7th May 2015.

“Kinsale can be considered the starting point for the Wild Atlantic Way; this will be enhanced by the restoration of the Signal Tower, and will undoubtedly benefit the town of Kinsale and the surrounding region.”

The announcement has also been welcomed by local Fine Gael Councillor, Kevin Murphy, who described the funding as a timely boost to the local economy and confirmation of the Government’s commitment to the tourism industry: ‘I welcome the announcement which comes as a great boost to the tourism industry in Kinsale, the benefits of which will be felt in the local economy for some time to come.’