Granard works towards new visitor centre

The prospect of a visitor centre in Granard continues to be a real possibility as the community prepare to host a feasibility study launch this Thursday. The Community Centre in Barrack Street is the venue where outgoing Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise Colm O’Reilly will introduce the document.
The community have come together in a effort to create a visitor centre that will promote Granard and the surrounding area and attract visitors to its many wonders. The site is within the town, along the N55 and adjacent to the remarkable historic feature the Granard Motte. The Motte is one of the highest and most spectacular of its kind in the country.
The Granard Motte Community Enterprise Ltd initiative has been involved in the efforts to assure funding for the project. One of these was the Granada Reunion Festival Weekend held last July. Tuesday night is a milestone for the Granard community in their efforts to establish the new visitor centre.
The feasibility study on the project, carried out by EXODEA Europe Consulting Ltd, will outline the possibility of this venture. The guest speakers on the night are Dr Senan Cooke, secretary of the recently formed all Ireland organisation, “Communities Creating Jobs” (CCJ) and RTÉ midlands corresponded, Ciaran Mullooly.
In May 2012 the local community made a decision to purchase a Granard town property being sold by NAMA and included two commercial buildings on 15 acres. Granard Motte Community Enterprise Ltd. was set up to asses the feasibility of the project and organise the funding requirements.
One of the local workers behind the ideal is Paul Flood. He told The Celt: “The feasibility study being launched shows the potential of the new centre and how such a centre will impact on the local area. It is a unique project which, long term, will become one of the most important visitor centres in the midlands region and in so doing will create sustainable employment both directly and indirectly.
This really is a superb example of a community helping itself and building for the future.”