Visitor Management and Sustainable Tourism Development Plan for Holy Island.

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Clare County Council wishes to commission a Visitor Management and Sustainable Tourism Development Plan for Holy Island (Inis Cealtra) on Lough Derg near Mountshannon, Co Clare. Proposals are sought from suitably qualified professionals for this project. The consultant(s) selected for this project will be expected to assemble a team of relevant experts to assist in fulfilling the brief as outlined below. Clare County Council has purchased c.41 acres of Holy Island from a private landowner. At present approximately c.2 acres of the island including the monuments are owned by the OPW. The entire of the island is now in public ownership. The need for a flagship visitor attraction in Lough Derg has long been recognised, and the Council considers that developing the potential of this unique heritage site represents an excellent opportunity of achieving this. Recognition of the sensitivities of this site, in terms of natural, built and cultural heritage, are of paramount importance and Clare County Council is cognisant of the need to progress this project in a considered and sustainable manner. Clare County Council recognises that it is necessary to bring the various interested parties together to agree and secure a shared long term vision for the future management of Holy Island. It is hoped that this can be achieved through the development of a Visitor Management and Sustainable Tourism Development Plan for the Island. Clare County Council are committed to proactive and meaningful engagement with all stakeholders in the development of this shared vision. This contract has been awarded to Solearth Architecture, Daintree Studio, G2 Pleasants Place, Dublin 8.