€650k funds to boost Skellig Coast

MORE than €650,000 has been allocated by Fáilte Ireland to four projects in South Kerry, in what has been described as a hge boost for tourism on the Wild Atlantic Way.

The two largest allocations, €200,000 apiece, are for the Portmagee Whiskey Experience and Seine Boat Experience; and the Daniel O’Connell Museum at the Old Barracks Heritage Centre in Cahersiveen.

‘The Transatlantic Cable Story’ on Valentia Island receives almost €161,500, while ‘The Leading Lights’ at Cromwell Point has been allocated €90,000.

The announcement was made in recent days by Min- ister of State Brendan Griffin TD, and benefiting as it did from two lots of funding, worth more than €250,000 combined, Valentia Island Development Company’s Vincent Kidd described it as a fantastic day for his locality.

“The grant of €90,000 will enable us to enhance the customer experience and to grow the visitor numbers and create jobs,” he said. “The €161,437 for the Cable Station sets us up well in developing this facility with the ultimate goal of UNESCO recognition and helps to create a facility that will ultimately aim to attract well in excess of 30,000 people per year.”

Minister Griffin explained that the funding intends to develop and improve vistor experiences along the Skellig Coast.

“Today’s significant grant funding announcement is aimed at ensuring that Kerry and the Wild Atlantic Way continues to offer visitors world-class experiences and attractions, boosting the region and increasing revenue and employment in the local tourism industry,” he said.

Photo by Valerie O’Sullivan All at Sea…Ted Kennedy, former Lighthouse Keeper of Cromwell’s Point Lighthouse on Valentia Island, with Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Brendan Griffin. Minister Griffin announced details of funding for four key projects from Fáilte Ireland’s New Horizons on the Wild Atlantic Way 2018 Grants Scheme, a total of €651,437 in funding to develop and improve visitor experiences along the Skellig Coast.