Contract signed for €2.3m Round Tower visitor centre

By Maurice Garvey

THE recent signing of a €2.3million contract for the Round Tower visitor centre and garden project in Clondalkin, has been announced by South Dublin County Council.

Longford firm Gem Construction, who have previously worked with SDCC on housing refurbishment programmes in Tallaght, secured the €2.3million contract.

How much revenue the visitor centre could generate for the county is unclear at this stage, with SDCC saying procurement processes are “ongoing with potential partners” and the information is “commercially sensitive.”

Tony Shanahan, Economic, Enterprise and Tourim Development SDCC said: “In addition to developing the visitor centre, the council is also in the process of procuring a consultant to carry out a report and plan into the development of tourism visitor potential at Corkagh Park.

“This will support the councils vision for the combination of the Round Tower Centre, Corkagh Park and the Grand Canal Greenway as a combined offering to visitors, which will be a significant benefit to Clondalkin Village, and the county.“

The development of the Round Tower visitor centre forms part of a key strategy objective for South Dublin tourism – connecting parks and greenways with heritage and arts, for an integrated tourism experience.

Council chiefs see the visitor centre as a key attraction to retain tourists in the county, citing 20,000 annual visitors to Camac caravan and camping park, along with huge numbers staying in hotels along the N7 corridor.

The project will include the refurbishment of the 19th century Mill Cottages at Millview Terrace and on Tower Road.

Upgraded cottages will house exhibition spaces, and a café with an external terrace enjoying views of the 7th century Round Tower and new garden.