Funding of more than 3.7 million euro has been awarded to Waterford's Mount Congreve Gardens.
It's part of the Government's Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Mr Michael Ring made the announcement in New Ross today.
The project involves the development and restoration of the estate and is lead by Waterford Council, in partnership with Fáilte Ireland.
The funding of €3,726,000 will ensure Mount Congreve is a world-class tourism destination with an enhanced visitor experience.
It will allow for the redevelopment and restoration of the Mount Congreve Estate and will provide enhanced visitor amenities including repair of the historic greenhouse, improved access to grounds and pathways and provision of family-friendly facilities.
The Mayor of the City and County of Waterford, Cllr John Pratt said: "This funding is particularly welcome and I am delighted to be in a position to develop Mount Congreve as a world-class tourism destination for now and for future generations."
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, a part of Project Ireland 2040, commits an additional fund of €1 billion which will provide investment in towns and villages which enhance sustainable social and economic development and can demonstrate coordination and integration between the community and public sector.
Fine Gael Senator Paudie Coffey says it's a significant announcement.
"It will build on the success of the existing Waterford Greenway, the Suir Vally Railway and indeed the Viking Triangle tourist attractions in the region.
"There's no doubt we're now going from strength to strength, this is the investment that will see us continue attracting tourists into Waterford for the future."
Great news for @WaterfordCounci this morning from @MichaelRingFG. €3.7 million allocated to @mountcongreve!The project involves the redevelopment/restoration of the estate to create a superb visitor experience & transform the gardens into a world class international attraction👍 pic.twitter.com/UsdzNtbWvT
— Damien Geoghegan (@damiengeoghegan) November 6, 2019
