One of the country’s most important historic gardens - Mount Congreve - is going to need at least €650,000 of public money every year to help it develop into a sustainable business.
WLR has learned that Mount Congreve in Waterford will need €400,000 from the Office of Public Works annually, as well as €250,000 from Waterford City and County Council.
The figures come in a document seen by WLR after questions were raised two months ago about the financial viability of the house and gardens.
The gardens, 7kms from Waterford city, are considered some of the most important in Europe, with Tripadvisor and the New York Times describing them as world-renowned and one of the Great Gardens of the World with a collection of plants from every continent.
Mount Congreve House was built in 1760 and in 2011, the owner Ambrose Congreve, died and left Mount Congreve estate in Trust to the State.
The re-modeled Georgian House and its 29 hectares of gardens overlooking the River Suir are managed by the Trust.
After a €7 million restoration project, Mount Congreve reopened to the public last year.
The Trust is run by Waterford Council via a board appointed by the local authority.
A report to the Council by chartered accountants found that Mount Congreve is a viable business but only at present with public subventions.
The seven page document is an overall review and not a detailed audit.
Review findings
It outlines how a €1m grant given to the Trust in November 2023 was to be spent:
€800,000 was going to go on renovating two gate lodges, buying glamping pods and doing some renovations, while a further €200,000 was going to be spent on signage, and upgrade works around the gardens.
By September 1st of this year, €655,183 of the million had been spent but there was an expected overrun of €415k over the original €1m budget.
Originally, it was estimated it would cost €210,000 to complete works on the two gate lodges – but after plans went to tender, the cheapest quote came in at €295,000. This quote did not include fit-out costs – estimated to be €72,500 per lodge.
WLR since contacted Waterford City and County Council, seeking a breakdown on what the €72,500 is being spent on for each lodge on internal furnishings.
The document states that revised locations were needed for the five glamping pods, which led to extra ground works and professional fees of €132,800.
There was also an estimated overrun on ancillary and other renovation works of €47,270. The local authority has been told that funding is being spent in-line with the original submission.
As Mount Congreve’s ability to generate income is seasonal and it rained a lot over the summer, the accountants say there is a projected loss of €387,265 for 2024.
Waterford City and County Council approved a €300,000 cash injection in July ‘to stabilize the financial position’ and has now agreed to give another €200,000.
Next year, Mount Congreve Trust is asking for €400,000 from the OPW (and for the following years) and another €300,000 from Waterford Council – and €250,000 from Waterford City and County Council per year thereafter.
The document also suggests that might not be enough and quarterly reviews will be required.
Local authority statement
In a statement to WLR, Waterford City and County Council said:
"Following the approval of a loan of €750,000 to Mount Congreve at the September Council Meeting, and in preparation for upcoming Budget discussions, the Council requested a report to address several key issues related to Mount Congreve.
The Accountant has now completed the report, which has been shared in confidence with the Elected Members. The Council will decide on the level of subvention for Mount Congreve for 2025, as part of the Budget discussions at its meeting on Tuesday, 26th November. Further aspects of the Accountant’s report will be considered at the Plenary Council Meeting, scheduled for December 12th.
Until these meetings take place and the necessary decisions are made, it would not be appropriate for Waterford City and County Council to comment further on this matter."
Waterford City and County Council has been told the projections indicate Mount Congreve will develop into a sustainable business “over time” but there are a number of risks, including weather and the success of the accommodation offering.
Accomodation available to rent at present include four eco-cabins and four lodges. Prices range from €179 to €429 per night for two people sharing. The bookings are operated through Airbnb.
The accountants say there is a very strong board in place over Mount Congreve Trust.
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