An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission to improve visitor facilities at the Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point at Bray Head on Valentia Island.
The work will be undertaken by Kerry County Council in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland and is hoped to be open for the 2022 tourist season.
The old watch tower on Bray Head, Valentia was built in the early 1800’s following an unsuccessful attempt during the first French Republic to help an Irish republican group in their planned rebellion against British rule.
The failed invasion bought about a scurry of tower buildings along the west coast, so that signals could be passed from one to the other in the event of another attack.
The tower was used up until 1920s by naval authorities as a signal station.
Now the area is a designated Discovery Point along the Wild Atlantic Way.
An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission for works to stabilise and conserve the existing Signal Tower building and provide a new roof top viewing platform which will give views of the Skellig Islands and surrounding landscape.
Kerry County Council says, subject to funding from Fáilte Ireland, the facility should be operational for the 2022 tourist season.
