Historic Duncannon Fort Officially Opens with €750,000 Investment

Duncannon Fort, one of County Wexford’s most iconic landmarks, was officially opened today by Dara Calleary, Minister for Rural and Community Development. The grand opening marks a significant milestone in the restoration of this historic site which is set to become a major asset for both the local community and tourism in the area.

The project has been a long time in the making with New Ross District Manager Alan Fitzhenry reflecting on the journey that began several years ago. According to Fitzhenry, the initiative to restore and reopen the fort was driven by funding secured under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, a key program designed to support the revitalization of rural areas across Ireland.

“We made a joint application with the local community to bring this incredible facility back into active use,” Fitzhenry explained. “The goal was to not only preserve the site but to create a space that could benefit both the local community and the growing tourism sector here in Wexford.”

The funding secured for the project includes €500,000 from the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, with an additional €250,000 in match funding from Wexford County Council. In total, an investment of €750,000 has gone into the restoration of Duncannon Fort. Fitzhenry emphasized that the focus of the project was on making the fort safe and accessible, with the primary aim of reopening it for public use and tourism.

“It’s been a three-year project, and we’re very proud of the work that has gone into it,” Fitzhenry said. “We’ve been focused on what was necessary to get it open again, and I believe this is just the beginning of what the fort can become.”

For Clr. John Dwyer, Chair of the New Ross District, the opening of Duncannon Fort is a moment of great pride for the community. He recalled how the fort, just a few years ago, had fallen into disrepair and was barely being used.

“I remember standing here just before the last local election, when this place was practically derelict,” Dwyer said. “It wasn’t being used at all. We made a video urging Wexford County Council and the government to invest in this unique facility, and we’re thrilled to see that vision come to life today.”

Dwyer praised the work completed so far, describing the restoration as “classy and tasteful,” and expressed excitement about the potential the fort holds for the future. “There’s still a lot to do, but where we are now is so much further down the road than where we were five or six years ago,” Dwyer continued. “I look forward to seeing the fort filled with activity, becoming a true hub for the community and visitors alike.”

Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage James Browne was also in attendance and he said "Fantastic to be here with Minister Dara Calleary at Duncannon Fort. This is such an essential location for Wexford's heritage and I have no doubt it will drive significant national and international tourism and interest for our area too. It's so critical that we look after places like this and I am thrilled we could get this over the line"