Cork's Camden Fort Meagher poised to reopen next month

Camden Fort Meagher looks set to reopen its doors next month.

Cork County Council executive Maurice Murphy said that he had good news for councillors attending the Carrigaline Municipal District yesterday where he outlined the progress being made at the attraction.

Mr Murphy told elected members that negotiations for a firm or individual to operate the cafe at the site were at an advanced stage.

He said that an operator with lots of experience had been one of two applicants for the contract and the other applicant had withdrawn in the meantime.

Among the other developments which have taken place at the fort are a deep clean, the development of a new ticket office and gift shop at the entrance as well as post and rope fencing around the site.

“There are some areas which will remain fenced off as they are unsafe at present,” he said.

He said the municipal district council had applied for a town and village renewal grant of €250,000 and would be continuing to try to source as much funding as possible for the project.

He said that interviews would be taking place for the appointment of a manager next week when it was also anticipated that the opening date for the attraction would be announced.

Up to eight tour guides were in the process of being recruited for the attraction.

Councillors had a number of queries for council officials, and councillor Seamus McGrath of Fianna Fáil was among those who called for more detail on a marketing plan for Camden Fort Meagher.

Mr Murphy said that he and other officials had met recently with consultants drawing up a plan for the entire harbour area.

“We would hope that they would promote Camden Fort Meagher as a starting point for visitors as they explore the harbour area,” said Mr Murphy.