This article is from page 4 of the 2009-07-14 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 4 JPG
THE continued closure of the car- park at Quin Abbey is causing an- noyance to locals, who say that the business community in the area is suffering as a result.
The lock remains on the gate of the carpark and residents who live in the village cannot understand why their calls to re-open it have fallen on deaf ears. They are further incensed by
the fact that their calls for signage — outlining opening hours, the abbey’s history and other relevant informa- tion — have not achieved a positive response.
Junior Finance Minister Martin Manseragh visited the abbey in May and locals said they felt that their concerns were listened to on that oc- or ISTO) F
However, Helen Lowe, who is a member of the local development
committee, said there 1s much frus- tration in the village because of the lack of progress. While a caretaker is employed there, opening hours and information are not available for tourists who may wish to visit the ab- erentA
The group is pleased to learn that the Abbey will open during Novem- ber — the month of the Holy Souls – but say more good news should fol- low.
“It is the last remaining intact, me- dieval village in Clare and the OPW will not put the proper signage at the public access to utilise the abbey to its true potential,’ said Ms Lowe.
“Having a list of opening hours is critical because a lot of tourist buses come to Quin. Also there is confu- sion in the village. People don’t know where the public entrance 1s,” she added.
‘Thousands of euro has been spent on the public entrance and a new bridge has been installed. However the gate remains locked and the car- park is not occupied. It has space for 40 cars and coaches and minibuses,” she said.
The local development committee contacted the OPW and was told that signage would be put in place and ne- gotiations would take place in rela- tion to opening the carpark. However they are not happy with this as they want action immediately.
“We are coming into August, the last remaining month of the tourist season. The businesses are losing money, she added.
“We are not asking the OPW to spend money. This is a carpark that is available. It doesn’t need any at- tention. We need organisation and feedback. It’s frustrating,’ she said.
“We would like the OPW to ad- dress the signage issue first of all,” added Ms Lowe.