€10m investment set to double Avondale visitors

events, educational tours and the possibility of starting a bus shuttle service taking in a loop full of top Wicklow tourist attractions.

‘We are talking millions here, approximately €10 million over four years, but there is scope for a futher phase with further development. Failte Ireland are awaiting our application for major funding and we are confident that it will go ahead,’ he added.

The Cathaoirleach of Arklow Municipal District, Pat Kennedy, welcomed the news and stressed the importance of marketing Wicklow tourism under one indentifiable to visitors.

He highlighted the need for a footpath to increase road safety for pedestrians, including the 900-strong student population linking Rathdrum to Avondale House.

Cllr Sylvester Bourke said that Fine Gael Minister Andrew Doyle is very supportive of Avondale and seeking his support would be like ‘pushing an open door.’

‘It would be a huge improvement,’ said Cllr Pat Fitzgerald. ‘ There is not a big spend there at present so it needs a wake up call,’ he added. ORGANISERS of the unveiling of the Wicklow Peace and Remembrance Mounment have sent their apologies to the public after they were forced to cancel the event at short notice.

The monument, which is located in the Orchard Garden on Market Street in Wicklow town, was due to be unveiled last Sunday by MEP Nessa Childers. The event was due to feature a colour party drawn from Post 21 Irish UN Veterans Association, along with a number of blessings and prayers from members of the local clergy.

However, after waiting almost a decade to see their dream become a reality, organisers’ plans were frustrated by the fallout from the UK’s vote on EU membership.

‘Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, it has been necessary to postpone the unveiling of the Peace and Remembrance Memorial until early September,’ explained Maeve Flannery, one of those behind the monument. ‘Nessa Childers MEP has had to cancel due to a recall to Brussels, as a result of Brexit, leaving very little time to organise a replacement at such short notice.’

‘We would like to extend our regret to every person looking forward to this unveiling,’ she continued. ‘Sorry for any inconvenience this postponement has caused.’