Áine Ryan
GREEN Minister for the Environment, John Gormley officially opened the new €3.9m Visitor Centre at Ballycroy National Park on Friday last, April 30. The park itself was established in 1998 and consists of almost 12,000 hectares of some of the most important blanket bog in Europe.
Speaking at the opening, Minister Gormley said: “It will be a major new attraction for Ballycroy and all of the surrounding communities of north west Mayo. I believe that it will shift the traditional tourist routes in County Mayo in a new direction and in doing so will help to attract business and employment to the region, in terms of the spin-off from tourism, and will help to raise the profile of the area both at home and internationally.”
He continued: “We need to promote and invest in Irish nature and its facilities, as it presents a great opportunity to support tourism in this country and to punch above its weight in re-invigorating the economy here.”
The new state-of-the-art centre was built under the National Development Plan, as part of the BMW programme of regional investment. The project also received supporting funds from the European Union.
Overlooking Blacksod Bay, the new building, which extends to 650 square metres, blends seamlessly into its unspoilt and scenic surroundings. Designed with conservation and sustainability as a priority, the centre comprises reception and exhibition areas on the ground level, with a tearoom, education area and toilets on the first floor, with lift access to a viewing platform on the roof.
The exhibition focuses on the traditional and seasonal life on the bog, as well as the ecological attributes that make the national park such a special place.
An easily accessed walking route leads out from the centre, offering spectacular views and a flavour of the expansiveness and remoteness of the national park’s hinterland.
In his closing remarks at the opening, Minister Gormley thanked those involved in bringing the project to fruition.
Ballycroy Visitor Centre is open every day from 10am until 5.30pm. Further information: www.ballycroynationalpark.ie.
