It’s claimed a strong marketing campaign will be key to luring the Irish diaspora to a new genealogy centre in Kilrush
Almost a quarter of a million euro has been allocated to Terret Lodge in the West Clare town, to conserve the 175-year-old building and add a new genealogy and exhibition centre there.
It’s hoped it’ll have strong appeal to those tracing their Irish heritage, as Clare FM’s Fiona McGarry reports:
Terret Lodge in Kilrush stands at one of the entrances to the Vandeleur Demesne and was occupied up until around 30 years ago.
Now, the historic gate house – which dates back 1845 – is set to get a new lease of life when it becomes a genealogy centre for the whole of West Clare.
€240,000 in total has been allocated to the project – €190,000 comes from Historic Towns Initiative, which is jointly run by the government and the Heritage Council, with Clare County County adding a further €50,000.
Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District, Kilrush Councillor Ian Lynch, says once it’s in place, the centre must be strongly marketed to overseas visitors.
It’s also hoped the expected additional footfall in Kilrush will lead to a welcome economic boost for the town.
A recent report stated one in four commercial properties there are lying idle.
Clare’s Senator, Fine Gael’s Martin Conway, is hopeful the genealogy centre will give rise to a boost for business.
