Iconic Tower at Cliffs Of Moher To Undergo Restoration

Millions of people from around the globe have visited the tower since local landlord Cornelius O’Brien constructed it in 1835. The viewing platform is located near the highest point of the 214 metre high cliffs and provides views of Clare, the Kerry Mountains, Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Ireland’s biggest wave "Aill Na Searrach", which reaches heights of 60ft several times a year, is also visible from the tower.

O’Brien’s Tower has been closed to the public since the construction phase of the EUR31.5M Cliffs of Moher visitor centre. The tower will reopen for the 2009 visitor season.

Clare County Council today signed contracts with Taaffe Construction, the successful company under the e-tender process. The six-figure restoration project will be overseen by building conservation consultants ACP. The consultant engineers are Arup Consulting and the quantity surveyors are Lawlor & Partners.

The restoration works include re-pointing, dry-lining, and structural repairs as well as replacement of the interior staircases and fittings.

Mayor of Clare, Councillor Madeleine Taylor Quinn said, ‘I am delighted to be in a position to sign the contract for restoration works to commence immediately on O’Brien’s Tower. When the job is completed there will be safe and secure access for the public to this strategic viewing location.’

The Mayor added, ‘O’Brien’s Tower is not just a county landmark, with great historical significance, but also a place to which many throughout Ireland and the world have fond and warm attachment. I am confident that the restored landmark will encourage more people to visit the Cliffs of Moher and that the experience of viewing the Cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean from the tower will greatly enhance their visit’.

Commenting on the signing of today’s contract, Mr. Shane Taaffe of Taaffe Construction, stated that the firm looked forward to commencing works on the world famous tower.

‘This represents a significant contract for Taaffe Construction and we look forward to working closely with Clare County Council and the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience over the coming weeks and months’, he explained.

According to Bernadette Kinsella, Director of Service for Planning and Economic Development, Clare County Council, said today at the contract signing 'O’Brien’s Tower is a vital part of our heritage in County Clare and this restoration work will ensure the conservation of this protected structure which forms part of the draw for visitors from all over the world to the Cliffs of Moher'.

Ms. Katherine Webster, Director, Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, commented, ‘The imminent commencement of restoration works is great news for the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, and Irish tourism in general.’

The Cliffs of Moher are Ireland’s most visited attraction. In February 2007, Clare County Council’s visitor centre project the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, was opened by then Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and 2007 saw almost one million visitors from all over the world visit the iconic location.

-ENDS-

Further information:
Katherine Webster, Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience: 065 7086141 / 085 1303579
Mark Dunphy, Dunphy Public Relations: 086-8534900

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
media@dunphypr.com
00353-868534900