Cliffs of Moher centre would now cost €25m

The cost of the proposed Cliffs of Moher visitor centre has almost doubled to €25 million after a review of the project's costings by Clare County Council.

It also emerged yesterday that one of the chief objectors to the proposal throughout the planning process, Shannon Development, has held discussions with the council on the issue of backing the council in developing the project.

In December, the council secured planning permission for the centre despite the strong opposition of Shannon Development, which described the proposal as "flawed".

At the time of securing planning, the cost of the project was put at €13 million by the council. However, according to the council's project manager, Mr Ger Dollard, that figure has now jumped to €25 million.

Mr Dollard said conditions attached to the Bord Pleanála decision requiring the council to implement a management guide programme before the centre proceeds are part of the reason behind the increased costs.

The management guide provides a comprehensive framework for the upgrading and improvement of the cliff edge and its proposals include defined footpaths and boundaries, tiered viewing areas, detailed and sign-posted circulation routes and designated viewing areas.

The proposed centre features a restaurant and exhibition area within a two-storey building built into the hill-side behind the existing tea-rooms at the cliffs, which attract over 750,000 visitors each year.

Currently, the cash-strapped council has no funding in which to advance capital projects such as its new €33 million headquarters. However, in an attempt to source funding for the visitor centre, the council has applied for €6 million in grant aid from Bord Fáilte and a decision is expected in the next few months. The council has already spent €1.3 million on purchasing 20 acres of land at the site.

The meeting between the council and Shannon Development took place after county manager, Mr Alec Fleming, wrote to Shannon Development to ascertain if its attitude to the project had changed since the planning board's decision.