Lough Boora Discovery Park in need of “substantial revitalisation”

A Fine Gael member of Offaly County Council told the January meeting that the need for rejuvenation of the Lough Boora tourist facility has been “evident for some time.”

The remarks were made by Cllr Neil Feighery during a wide-ranging discussion on the Offaly Draft Arts Infrastructure Strategy 2023-2028, details of which were outlined to the meeting by the council's Arts Officer, Dr Sally O'Leary.

While emphasising that the strategy is “still at the draft stage” and will be followed later in the year by a more comprehensive document, Director of Services, Sharon Kennedy, said it “very important” to be able to demonstrate “strategic outcomes” for the arts sector in order to be able to draw down funds from the Arts Council.

Ms. Kennedy congratulated the Arts Officer on having recently completed a Doctorate, which entitles her to be addressed as Dr “and we are going to call her Dr O'Leary at every opportunity from now on” she quipped.

In outlining the draft arts infrastructure strategy for Offaly, Dr Sally O'Leary said the emphasis is on four identified signature infrastructure projects, namely Esker Arts Centre in Tullamore; Edenderry Library & Arts Space; Lough Boora Sculpture Park and Birr Theatre and Arts Centre.

She agreed with Cllr Feighery's remarks about Lough Boora and acknowledged that it was in need of “substantial revitalisation.” Describing the facility as being a “truly unique asset in Ireland” which is “authentic, of the land, of the people” Dr. O'Leary also said it reflects climate change, just transition and – potentially – renewal/revitalisation. She also added that it has strong visitor numbers of around 100,000 per year, and the story told within the tourist facility “reflects both local and global concerns.”

The potential of Lough Boora is “well understood” by Offaly County Council, said the Arts Officer, but is unlikely to be realised without “without targeted programme leadership” of which marketing, communications and technical support are all key elements.

She added that Bord na Mona has made a commitment to partnership and an enhanced governance structure is proposed for the tourist facility, and there are also opportunities to integrate the programming approach to Lough Boora with “other arts infrastructure” in the county.