A €1 million regeneration project which transformed an old oil tank site along the River Barrow into a new park and promenade was officially opened in Co Wexford.
The Emigrant Park in New Ross was part-funded under the Government's Rural Regeneration and Development Fund as well as the Town Centre First policy and it is hoped it will provide a major boost to the town in terms of tourism as well as wider benefits for local people.
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, officially opened the Emigrant Park today and said that the project had upgraded a "key site" in the area.
She said that the investment, along with the €5.5m New Ross Transformation Project, will enable New Ross "to realise its full potential as a vibrant rural town and visitor destination".
According to Wexford County Council, the inspiration and theme for the park came from New Ross's close association with emigration, and particularly the links between the Quayfront and the Kennedys who went on to make history in the United States.
The Emigrant Park includes steps which would have been walked on by those buying tickets to emigrate from the Quay; aspects of the town's maritime heritage; and a play area for children made from logs.
It also allows locals and visitors to walk or cycle the full length of the town's boundary with the Barrow River, from O'Hanrahan Bridge to the Oaklands Roundabout.
At today's opening, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr John Fleming described it as a "wonderful" amenity which follows the recent completion of other public spaces in the New Ross area such as the High Hill, Goat Hill and phase one of the South East Greenway; along with planned developments like Norman Visitor Centre and Duncannon Fort redevelopment.
