Bru na Boinne transformed in €5m investment upgrade
WHEN vast sums are spent on projects, it can be sometimes hard for the eye to see where exactly the millions went.
But a short stroll around the new look Bru na Boinne visitor centre gives a very real insight into how money can be well spent. The ‘wow’ factor has arrived at Newgrange.
Built in 1997, it was felt that the centre, just outside Donore, needed a revamp, an update and in January last, the doors were closed and staff went into portocabins to keep services running. Inside the building, experts took on the task of presenting thousands of years of history - a modern day version of Newgrange perhaps.
Ministers Moran and Griffin arrived by the Boyne last week to re-open the centre and you could sense the pride in the packed room.
Maybe no more so than in Cathaoirleach of Meath CC, Wayne Harding, surely no-one more appropriate to introduce the new centre to everyone.
‘It’s a proud moment for me,’ he stated. ‘I played in these fields all my life.’
His first words were for Claire Tuffy and her staff, some 50 employed there during the summer.
‘I have to pay tribute to them. The centre here is a strong local employer and people come from Slane, Donore and Duleek to work here.
‘It is a great place to commute toand I can see the people here are passionate about the place.’
He recalled the many local people who were involved in the digs that took place at Newgrange down the years, or ‘ the caves’ as they were known.
‘I remember the Morgans who were here for a long time,’ he remarked.
He also praised the local farming community who have ‘protected’ the area for generations.
Minister Brendan Griffin said he was four the last time he had been at Newgrange and was ‘ hugely impressed’ by the new centre. He said €5m had been spent on it, with Failte Ireland putting in €2.5m.
‘It is a top quality international destination,’ he stated.
He also praised the staff, saying they were ‘outstanding people on the front line.’
He said there was a further announcement to come, with a centre at Knowth next to be unveiled.
Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran later revealed that 80% of the world’s Neolithic art is in Knowth and they will be opening a ‘similiar centre’ there.
He encouraged more young people to come to Bru na Boinne to enjoy the experience, adding that it was free for under 12s.
Muiris O’Sullivan from UCD said the research done by Newgrange goes back hundreds of years and the new centre did those people proud.
In outlining the work, he thanked the likes of Ken Williams for his wonderful photographs that can be seen all over the centre.
Michael McDonagh from the Department of Heritage said the centre was a ‘stunning creation’ and was of global significance.
He mentioned the community and their role in the whole thing, saying they were the custodians and they wanted to work with the farmers and landowners ‘in terms of managing it in the future.’
He said it was ‘an amazing place.’
Orla Carroll from Failte Ireland said they wanted to develop a ‘state of the art experience’ for Newgrange visitors and this was it.
‘ This is a brand new ‘wow’ experience,’ she remarked.
She said the opening of the Knowth centre means ‘more jobs, revenue and visitors’ to the area.
Tribute was also paid to the late Claire Mullen, a former head guide at Newgrange, a woman who is sadly missed by everyone.