New €1.2m visitor facilities open on Lough Derg shores in Tipperary
Visitors to Dromineer Harbour can now use a new €1.2 million changing and toilet facility, complete with accessible amenities and pay-to-use showers.
Tipperary County Council developed a new changing and toilet facility at Dromineer Harbour, on the shores of Lough Derg, which officially opened on Friday (July 31).
The development saw the construction of a new single-storey changing places building incorporating accessible sanitary facilities, a storage area and all associated site development works.
The changing places facility caters to people with disabilities, and features a larger bathroom area, with a hoist, an adult-sized changing bench, and shower facilities.
The development comes as part of a new watersports building on the site, which aims to attract tourism to the region.
Contracts were signed to deliver the new project last summer, with a €1.2million investment coming from Fáilte Ireland to carry out the project.
The investment came from Fáilte Ireland’s Platforms for Growth Scheme, which specifically targets ‘platforms’ or projects that have the greatest potential to grow tourism across Ireland and strategically enhance the Irish tourism offering to meet visitor needs.
The project aims to provide a “best in class” outdoor tourism amenity and serve as a central hub for tourists in Dromineer, Tipperary County Council said.
The new facilities operate on a tap-to-pay system, costing 50c to use the toilets, while a shower will cost €3.
Speaking at the contract signing last summer, then-cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council councillor Declan Burgess said that the project will serve to enhance the visitor experience at Lough Derg.
“Dromineer is a very strategic location within Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and I look forward to the enhancement of the facilities which will be of benefit in attracting tourism to the region.
“Lough Derg is a jewel, and it is vital that the appropriate infrastructure is put in place to ensure that visitors have an enjoyable experience,” Cllr Burgess added.
Speaking at the sod-turning for the project, Tipperary County Council CEO Sinéad Carr said that the project will benefit the local area.
“We are delighted to partner with Fáilte Ireland in the provision of best-in-class facilities here in Dromineer which is an important tourism destination on Lough Derg.
“We are confident that this investment will benefit Dromineer, Tipperary and the Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands Region through the provision of facilities which are accessible and sustainable thus improving the visitor experience, helping to attract increased footfall and benefiting the local economy,” Ms Carr added.