Actor Bryan Murray is spearheading a project to build the Republic of Ireland’s first theme park.
Based around a children’s book character – Póga the dragon – created by Murray and Dublin-based producer and promoter, Kathleen Lambe, the 1.5m euro Póga’s Wunderland is scheduled to open in Kildare in June 2004.
“Póga the baby dragon is the last dragon left and the keeper of the friendly blue flame,” said Murray. “He has a shamrock on the end of his tail which lights up with different colours depending on his mood.
“We have agreed a three book deal with O’Brien Press and are also in talks with tv station, RTE, about a television series.”
The theme park, which will be open from the second week of June until the end of August as well as during the Easter and Christmas school holidays, will centre around an interactive Póga show in a central ampitheatre taking place three times a day, but will also include rides and attractions including a climbing tower, train ride, a lake with paddle boats, slides and a soft play area.
‘There is a huge gap in the market in the Republic of Ireland for a family theme park,” said Murray. “Ireland’s nearest theme park is Oakwood in South Wales and it currently receives 66,000 Irish visitors a year, so the demand is clearly the here.”
The park, aimed at five- to 13-year-olds, is to be built in and around a bloodstock auction site. Murray and Lambe’s company, Island Bridge Productions, has agreed an initial five-year lease with owner, Goff, to use the sales ring for its Póga shows and install rides in a 4-5acrea area around it. The site will revert to bloodstock sales in the off-season. Póga’s Wunderland will also be able to use the restaurant, bar and café currently at the venue.
Out of season, Murray plans to tour the show around Ireland to increase awareness of the Póga character.
“The park is to be situated in the most densely populated area of Ireland, but with nowhere in the country being more than five hours’ drive away, our catchment area is potentially the whole of Ireland,” said Murray. “We hope to attract 250,000 members in out first year.”
Murray and Lambe are seeking further investors, but those already on board include vice chair of BALPPA and chair of consultants, ROC International, Richard Pawley and the Irish Gas Board, which has so far provided 30,000 euros for sponsorship for the Póga books and is expected to invest in the park itself as well. Details: [email protected]
