Taoiseach Bertie Ahern formally opened the new €31.5 million Cliffs of Moher interpretive centre in Co Clare today.
The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience includes an underground visitor centre and units for six licensed craft workers. There have also been significant safety improvements along the edge of the c214-mter high cliffs.
The Cliffs of Moher
attracted an estimated 900,000 visitors last year, which is a seven per cent rise on 2005. Clare County Council has said it expects visitor numbers to top 1 million this year.
The project was financed through the European Regional Development Fund under the Government's National Development Plan 2000-2006. Planning for the centre began 15 years ago. A competition to design it was held in 1993. It was won by the distinctive curved design of Cork-based Reddy O'Riordan Staehli Architects. Construction began in 2005.
Clare County Council have successfully applied the to courts for an order ending unlicensed busking and trading at the site.
Speaking this afternoon, Mr Ahern said the Cliffs of Moher Experience "represents a major enhancement of this place where land meets ocean, the wind meets the sky and we see the majesty and power of nature in all its glory."
Shannon Development said the centre would help to sell Co Clare and the Shannon region as a 'must visit' holiday destination.
Coach operators have criticised the increase in parking charges at the centre and have threatened to boycott the attraction. Coaches carrying over 40 people will have to pay €60 to park, up from €5.
Private cars will be charged €8.00.
The county council's project leader Ger Dollard insisted the parking charges were appropriate. He said coach operators could receive discounts if they visit certain other visitor attractions in the North Clare area, including Aillwee Cave near Ballyvaughan, the Burren Centre in Kilfenora; Lisdoonvarna's Burren Smokehouse, Cliffs of Moher Cruises in Doolin and Dysert O'Dea Castle near Corofin.
"We are confident that these arrangements offer a realistic basis for both parties to work together in a positive and constructive way to achieve the highest standards of site and visitor management at the country's number one tourist attraction," Mr Dollard said.
Clare County Council has admitted there have been no takers for naming rights at the centre. The council had sought donations from private individuals or businesses to help bridge a €3 million shortfall in funding for the scheme. For €1 million, sponsors would have their name attached to the Premium Viewing Platforms, including the O'Brien's Tower overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
The council was also offering naming rights to seating bollards on the main concourse for €50,000 and seeking €500,000 for viewing platforms on the cliff edge. Naming a bench after yourself costs €25,000.