Plans revealed for ‘legacy’ upgrade of heritage centre
Longer opening hours confirmed following completion of €1.2 million upgrade
An INTERACTIVE display room, putting greens and longer opening hours are to be introduced as part of a major renovation of Adare Heritage Centre.
The October meeting of the Adare-Rathkeale Municipal District heard the €1.2 million upgrade will provide the building with a new lease of life, with the intent of creating a “legacy project” for Adare, which is hosting the Ryder Cup next September.
Councillors, who were briefed on the proposed changes by Discover Limerick CEO Kaya O’Riordan, were asked to approve a 30-year lease of the property.
While there was general support, concerns were raised over the communication between Discover Limerick, a subsidiary of the local authority, and elected members. Councillors highlighted that they had received a copy of the presentation at 6am on the day of the meeting, meaning they had little time to consider its contents.
Cllr Stephen Keary said it was unacceptable while Cllr John O’Donoghue said he had not seen the presentation as he had not checked his emails on the morning of the meeting.
A number of changes are planned at Adare Heritage Centre, which is owned by the council. The existing canopy will be removed, and the outdoor paving will be refreshed.
Councillors were shown computer-generated images of the proposed improvements which were described as “moderate but transformative”.
Ms O’Riordan said the 30-year lease will allow it to enter into longer commercial agreements with existing tenants.
She added that one major change that will be implemented going forward will be longer opening hours. She confirmed that food, beverage and toilet facilities will be available until at least 8pm.
An interactive display room will also be installed in the building, which Discover Limerick plans to routinely update and keep current.
The meeting heard that the golfing simulator has already been used for children’s birthday parties, with the goal of it being “less exclusive” than Adare Manor’s.
Outside, a putting green will be temporarily installed. Vendors will also be invited to apply to run a coffee truck or ice cream van outside the building on the refurbished patio.
Kaya O’Riordan noted that Discover Limerick intends on avoiding making the centre too “golf-heavy”.
Concerns were raised about the proximity of the putting green to the road, with Councillor Adam Teskey pointing out that the golf balls could be “like missiles”.
However, Ms O’Riordan explained that young golfers would be fully supervised, and only provided with putters and foam golf balls.
Councillors approved the proposal to enter into a 30-year lease, subject to review every ten years.