Progress on restoration of Valentia Cable Station
PLANS are currently being drawn up by architects for the restoration of the Valentia Island Cable Station and is hoped that the project will go to the tender by the end of the year.
The restoration of this famous building is the corner-stone of a major plan to gain UNESCO world heritage status for Valentia and the role in the played in connecting the world via the transatlantic cable.
The UNESCO bid was put forward by The Valentia Transatlantic Cable Foundation Board who area leading a campaign for the island and specific locations on the island linked to the cable to be given this all important status.
This will be considered by the Irish Government and if successful will be placed on the tentative list of potential UNESCO status projects.
The closing date for submissions for the tentative list was to be June of this year but this has now been extended by six months so it will be 2021 before the tentative list will be closed.
“We hope to be on that list when it is closed,” explains Michéal Lyne.
“Indications are that we may be on it.”
The group recently took part in a workshop with the Department of Heritage on this initiative.
Heart’s Content Cable Station, Newfoundland was formally recognised as a Canadian national treasure, and included with seven other locations in that country’s updated list of Tentative World Heritage sites. It proposes a transnational application with Valentia sites.
Meanwhile in a tandem with this the former Valentia Cable Station will be restored and this is currently moving forward.
A grant of €1.37m was provided to Kerry County Council and this is being used to draw up plans which it is hoped will go to tender by the end of the year.
Failte Ireland have also granted funding to tell the story of the transatlantic cable in a museum which will form part of the restoration of the building. The Department of Heritage is also involved.
The upper floor is to be converted to a digital and innovation hub to allow for remote access for workers with high-speed broadband.
Kerry County Council are working on the technological side of the venture as well and this will be supported by BT Ireland who are involved with the UNESCO project.
“It is moving slowly but it is progressing.” says Michéal and there is local, national and international support for the proposed developments that will finally put Valentia on the map.