The construction of what will be a major tourism asset in the Border region will begin within weeks it can be confirmed.

Fáilte Ireland along with Cavan County Council recently approved additional expenditure to allow the construction of the Shannon Pot Discovery Centre near Blacklion, Co. Cavan.  This final stage allows Cavan County Council to finalise the appointment of the contractor with a view to the construction workers moving onsite in the coming weeks.

It is hoped that visitors will be using the Shannon Pot Discovery Centre in 2025.  Fianna Fáil Cavan Councillor, John Paul Feeley welcomed the news: "‘We have been waiting for this last piece of the jig-saw to fall into place for some weeks now. This final approval allows construction to start.

"This project can be transformative for West Cavan and create a flagship tourist attraction for the region, I look forward to visitors enjoying these new facilities in 2025 with what I hope will be a growing economic spin-off in the wider region."

Councillor Feeley added: "I have seen, at first hand the work of the officials of Cavan County Council, the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark Team and the architect and other consultants involved in getting this project to this stage, I want to thank them for their genuine commitment to this vital project."

They have made huge efforts to take on board the views of the local community and have put a huge personal effort into the project.

The development at the Shannon Pot will through the discovery centre tell the story of the River Shannon from its source in the Cuilcagh Mountains to the sea. The building is designed to maximise the views of Cuilcagh and create a link with Cavan Burren Park while minimising the visual impact on the landscape.  The building will be specially configured to facilitate visitors of all levels of mobility and is designed to be usable and accessible by the community when not open as a tourist attraction.

The additional funding will also allow for the construction of phase two of Cavan Burren Park.  This development includes alterations to the existing car park, formalising the amphitheatre at the rear of the existing visitors centre to facilitate artist performance and other related work.  The main element will be the creation of walks through part of the Burren to allow visitors to experience the megalithic field structures in the currently inaccessible area of Burren and on towards a raised ‘tree-top’ walk to give views towards Cuilcagh, Garvagh Lake and towards the Shannon Pot.