Ministerial Times

30 April 2010

Minister opens Ballycroy National Park Visitor Centre

During the UK election frenzy, Marie Orchard has escaped to County Mayo on the west coast of Ireland to see the Irish Minister for the Environment, Heritage & Local Government, Mr John Gormley TD.

Following a soft opening last July, the Ballycroy National Park Visitor Centre will today be officially opened by the Minister, ready to welcome visitors for the summer season.

WWT Consulting started working for the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS), who manages the National Park under the Department for the Environment, Heritage & Local Government, in January 2008. After meeting with Conservation Rangers that know the Park inside out and local residents with many years' worth of local history to impart, we designed the interpretation for the new visitor centre around some key stories and notable wildlife and habitats.

We then commissioned a UK-based company, Codsteaks, to fabricate and install all the elements of the interactive exhibiton and some external interpretation using local stone and bogwood.

Today, local people will have a chance to be proud of their local centre that promotes the natural history and heritage of Ireland's sixth National Park and school groups and tourists will have the opportunity to learn about and be inspired by the wonders that are held in this remote corner of Ireland.

There is quite a buzz here already this morning, with the Minister's speech due to take place at 2.30pm.

You can also take a look at our case study or read this review in the Mayo News.