Comhlacht Forbartha Áitiuíl Acla, which runs the Achill Experience visitor attraction centre, has been allocated €75,000 to fund a 60 square metre extension. The funding was granted through the Dormant Accounts Fund from Minister Michael Ring’s Department.
Minister Ring said: "I’m delighted that this funding has been allocated for the Achill Experience which is an excellent visitor attraction. This investment will support the building of an extension to the front of the property, which will contain a new enlarged entrance, retail space, rest area and cafe.
"The ongoing expansion and enhancement of Achill Experience will result in visitors spending longer at the attraction and will help attract more people to Achill. Almost 70,000 visitors have enjoyed Achill Experience since it opened its doors in 2016. Crucially, it provides the only indoor tourist facility in the area.
"I’m delighted that the attraction has benefitted from support through my Department. It currently receives over €89,000 annually through my Department’s Community Services Programme to support the employment of a manager and three full-time equivalents for the attraction. Last year I approved a separate allocation of €89,000 for the facility through my Department’s LEADER Programme.
"This beautiful aquarium and visitor centre really is a feather in the cap of Achill and is the type of attraction that will help establish Achill as a major tourism draw. It is clear that that the board has great ambitions for it."
