Consultants appointed to develop marketing and development plan for Duckett’s Grove

Carlow County Council has announced the appointment of David Mac Nulty and the team at Tourism Development International as consultants to prepare a development and marketing strategy for Duckett’s Grove for 2018-2028.

Kathleen Holohan, Chief Executive, Carlow County Council said, “it is important that we as a local authority lead the way in developing a conversation and vision for our strategic assets like Duckett’s Grove”, Holohan continued to say that “the strategy is being delivered under the Town & Village Renewal Scheme for the area which will result in the delivery of over 60 projects valued at in excess of €900k across County Carlow during 2018”. Holohan concluded by saying “Carlow County Council is committed to the development of our tourism assets in the County and this strategy will provide a key vision for the future development of Duckett’s Grove to realise its full potential for the local community and visitors to County Carlow which underlines the council’s ongoing commitment to provide improved facilities and infrastructure and to Ireland’s Ancient East.”

The preparation of the strategy will incorporate consultation with key stakeholders including Fáilte Ireland, and local tourism operators, community, local residents and representative organisations and it is envisaged that the strategy will be complete by June 2018.

Michael Brennan, Senior Executive Officer said: “Duckett’s Grove is very much part of the fabric of the local community and continues to be used as a local amenity therefore, it is essential that the overall strategy not only provides for the future management and development of this important site but takes full cognisance of the rich archaeology, landscape, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area.”

Carlow County Council acquired Duckett’s Grove in 2005 which includes an impressive ruined mansion and gothic revival castle, along with its outbuildings of stables, yards, barns, forge and two superb interconnecting walled gardens, a small area of pleasure grounds with a sheltering wood, in all, some 11 acres.

Cllr William Patron,Cathaoirleach, Carlow County Council welcomed the strategy Realising our potential as an attractive and strong player in the overall destination of County Carlow depends entirely upon excellent communication and vision for the County and our strategic assets like Duckett’s Grove so we can realise the potential for our County, I welcome this strategy and look forward to actively engaging with our communities to develop a vision for the future”.

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For further information contact Kieran Comerford on 086/8252037 e-mail: kcomerford@carlowcoco.ie

Photo by David Lawler Photography - Early Morning at Ducketts Grove