CORK ATTRACTION:A MULTIMILLION-EURO plan to transform Cork's historic Shandon area into a Covent Garden-style tourist attraction has received the official backing of the city's council.
Councillors agreed this week to seek funding for the ambitious €16 million project from Fáilte Ireland, which has a fund for such developments.
The aim of the scheme is to re-emphasise Cork's claim to be Ireland's premiere food region.
Under the plan, a visitor- attraction centre, to be called Shandon Butter Exchange, would be built. The existing Cork Butter Museum would be upgraded and expanded as part of the proposed centre.
The development would include a national food-and-drink museum, a multipurpose entertainment space, a banqueting area and galleries celebrating Ireland's music traditions.
The centre would house Ceol, the prestigious traditional music and culture exhibition secured by the local council last year. It would also have a Tasting Ireland exhibition space for cookery classes and food demonstrations.
About €12 million in funding is being sought for the project from Fáilte Ireland. The estimated shortfall of between €4 million and €5 million would be made up by Cork City Council.
Shandon is a prominent landmark in Cork, sited on top of a hillside overlooking the River Lee. It is known for Cork Butter Museum, home of the city's butter exchange, which was internationally important in the 19th century.
The Taste of Cork festival, a showcase for local restaurants and food and drink producers, comes to the city from Friday, June 27th, to Sunday, June 29th.