Council to consider plan to boost tourist numbers at Camden Fort

A senior Cork County Council official has said the authority is preparing a five-year plan to seek government funding to enhance the tourist-attracting facilities at an historic Cork coastal fort.

While Camden Fort Meagher in Crosshaven has previously been something of a poor relation to Spike Island when it comes to investment, it appears that could be about to change.

Marie O’Leary, acting senior executive officer for the Carrigaline Municipal District area, which includes the Crosshaven area, said council officials are working on a plan to significantly enhance Camden Fort Meagher, and increase visitor numbers in the coming years.

The fort is owned by a private company set up under the control of the local authority.

A group of international military experts who previously visited Cork said Cork Harbour has some of the greatest coastal defence forts in Europe, second only to Valletta Harbour in Malta.

Ms O’Leary was speaking at this week's monthly municipal district meeting, in response to a motion by Crosshaven-based Fianna Fáil councillor Audrey Buckley on planned enhancements to Camden Fort Meagher.

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Ms Buckley further requested that management at the fort attend the municipal district council’s meeting at least twice a year to give updates on any plans.

She said locals need to know what is being planned, and that increased traffic to the fort needs to be addressed for pedestrian safety.

Ms O’Leary said council officials are working hard on developing the five-year plan ahead of submitting it for government funding.

It is understood that apart from major renovations, the proposal could also involve attracting private ferry operators to set up a service connecting it to Spike Island, making the coastal harbour fortification experience even more attractive for foreign visitors.

Fine Gael councillor Jack White said it would be great to see the Crosshaven fort open all year-round as it’s the main tourist attraction in the municipal district.

He said the plans should include more corporate functions to increase revenue, and take advantage of the fort’s impressive views across the harbour.

Ms O’Leary said the fort, which opens just before summer and closes in October, is expected to open for visitors “provisionally” on the May Bank Holiday weekend.

She said it would be premature for the fort’s management company to address the municipal district council at this stage on ongoing plans for this year’s season as they are currently in the process of recruiting seasonal staff and finalising opening timelines.

Ms O’Leary said when this information has been finalised a report will be provided to local councillors.