Minister of State, Brian Hayes TD, has described the efforts of the Courcey's Rural Development Committee as commendable and inspirational following a visit to the Old Head Signal Tower project at Kinsale with local Fine Gael Deputy, Jim Daly.

Deputy Daly said: "The project to restore and renovate the Old Head Signal Tower began back in 2010 when a sub-committee of Courcey's Rural Development Association was set up to investigate the possibilities of developing the Tower and its surrounding grounds. A feasibility study was undertaken and the development concept is to restore the Tower as a panoramic viewing point, with a view to using the internal Tower as a space to illustrate its significance and history to visitors. There are also further plans to build an underground museum for Lusitania interpretation and to build a visitor centre including a cafe and craft shop.

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"Full planning permission has been granted for the renovation of the Tower and the project is currently the subject of a Leader funding application. As the site is owned by the OPW, the committee requested, though my office, that Minister Hayes, who has responsibility for the OPW, would visit the project and see first-hand the potential to develop this attraction for locals and visitors alike."

(CD)