5 days ago
Norman Visitor Centre in heart of New Ross expected to open in summer of 2027
'The centre has been designed to offer a world-class experience which will eventually attract up to 100,000 visitors annually, it will be a new landmark for the town,' he said. 'We've set out to create something which will provide exceptional experiences for all ages, it will have economic benefits for the town, it will act as a gateway to Norman Wexford and connect with other attractions in the county.'
Featuring a multi-purpose courtyard which will be open to the public and allow for outdoor dining, the final design of the interior of the centre has not yet been completed but Mr Meyler said the focus will be on 'educating people as well as entertaining them'.
'It will tell the story of the Normans without making it a history lesson, it will feature interactive devices and interpretative signage with a capsule area where you can learn about Isabel de Clare and Strongbow, and who they were,' he said. 'There will be exhibits detailing what life was like for the Normans who settled in New Ross, and we're looking at having some sword fighting opportunities, jousting, there will be something for everyone, lots of things to do.'
Returning to the courtyard space, Mr Meyler said those who reached the top of the visitor centre would be able to look out and see a map of Norman Wexford built into the brickwork below. Confirming that the intention was for the building to be complete in February 2027, Mr Meyler said the intention was to open it to the public in July of that year.
With the research team behind the project having been furnished with historical tomes written by authors like Billy Colfer and Nicky Furlong, Mr Meyler allayed any fears that the project would not capture the attention of visitors, outlining how the centre would start with the arrival of Diarmuid Macmurrough and go from there.
While the notion of up to 100,000 people visiting New Ross every year sounded appealing to all councillors, there was one major drawback according to Councillor Michael Sheehan.
'Bed nights are going to be the issue, the lack of hotel is a problem, that's where our attention now needs to turn,' he said. 'There's no point in having all those people coming here and staying in Waterford.'
After director of services Eamonn Hore confirmed he had been talking to The Neville Hotel Group regarding ongoing developments in New Ross, Mr Meyler sounded another note of slight caution.
'We do need to go back to the minister for more money to complete the project,' he said. 'We received €5.5m in 2019 but a lot of money has been spent in the interim on repairs to the Dunbrody Ship and upgrades to the Dunbrody Experience. So there's not enough money left in the kitty as things stand but we have the opportunity to go back and get the rest. The time to do that will be when the tender goes out.'
However, Mr Hore said that sourcing the remaining funds was unlikely to be a problem.
'The minister sanctioned those repairs and upgrades and we realised at the time the funding would need to be added to. At national level this project is considered one of the most important in the country so I have no doubt the funding will be approved,' he said.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
