By Brendan Keane

THE PROBLEM of visitors arriving at the Dunbrody Visitor Centre in New Ross but not entering the town itself has been raised by a local politician.
Cllr. Bobby Dunphy expressed concern over the matter at a recent monthly meeting of the local authority.
“There is a problem with visitors at the Dunbrody Centre in that they hop off the bus, go in, and then get back on the bus and leave,” he said.
He then asked officials if sign-posts could be strategically located to entice visitors into the main downtown area. In particular he asked if access to the newly opened car parks in the Dunne’s Stores yard could be through Sugarhouse Lane with the intention of forcing visitors to get off their buses and venture closer to the town centre.
In response Town Clerk, Ger Mackey, said he had spoken to the Chief Executive Officer of the JFK Trust, Sean Reidy, about the matter and he informed him the buses were on tight schedules with little room for change.
“What would make it more viable is if there was something here that could be included in the bus itinerary,” said Mr. Mackey.
Town Engineer, James Whelan, then informed the members of the officials’ intention to have the work on redeveloping the quay-front in the town extended onto the town side of the N25 and commented: “If someone is at the Dunbrody Centre there will be linking created [from that side].”
“There is a gateway [in Sugarhouse Lane] that could link the car park,” said Cllr. Dunphy.
“I would prefer if they were encouraging the tourists to go the other way when they get out of their car into the town,” he added.
“A nice walk should be encouraged.”
“The [tour] buses have a very tight scheduled so the best thing to do would be to sell the town to them,” commented Cllr. John Dwyer.
Town Manager, Eamonn Hore, agreed with Cllr. Dwyer and said the Council needed to impress tour companies that if they have to stop as part of their schedule New Ross should be one of the main stopping points.