THE OPENING OF the historic Loop Head Lighthouse in West Clare is to create 12 seasonal jobs over a 12-week period from the June Bank Holiday weekend, it has been announced.

Approximately 17,000 people visited the building  following a successful trial scheme in 2011, said Clare County Council, along with Shannon Development, Loop Head Tourism and the Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL).

The lighthouse, located on the Shannon Estuary, has origins dating back to the 1670s – with the existing tower-style lighthouse being built in 1854. In 1991, the lighthouse was converted to automatic operation, and today is in the care of an attendant and monitored by the CIL.

The jobs being created at the lighthouse will include positions providing visitor information and tours of the building, access control and general maintenance at the site.

“The successful trial opening of Loop Head Lighthouse is a good example of how regional development agencies and community organisations can collaborate on tourism projects,” commented Mayor of Clare Councillor Pat Hayes.

Hayes added that the lighthouse had been worth about €400,000 to the local community during the trial period, and that he had “every confidence” that this summer’s opening would be equally as successful.