More than 10 million euro is to be allocated for the upkeep of some of Ireland's finest historic houses, the Government announced yesterday. The Minister for Tourism Martin Cullen said it was important to invest in the attractions so they can bring in visitors when the economy recovers.
Russborough House, Co Wicklow, Fota House in Co Cork and Rothe House in Kilkenny are among those to receive the €11.2 million taxpayer cash injection.
"The projects for which funding is being announced today are excellent examples of existing attractions which will benefit from funding for upgrading and development and which will further enhance the tourism product on offer to tourists," said Mr Cullen.
Russborough, just outside Blessington, Co Wicklow, is to get €2.25 million to develop the Palladian mansion's ice house, lime kiln and restore its gardens.
A "new visitor experience" will also be created with the funding to provide information about the history of the estate, as well as a photographic and film exhibition, a playground and a sculpture garden.
Kilkenny's 17th century Rothe House is to get €1.9 million euro to further develop the museum and to bring the story of the family of the merchant's town house to life.
The 17th The Regency-style Fota House in Carrigtwohill, Co Cork, is getting €1.7 million for the refurbishment of the first floor , the restoration of the kitchen garden in the orchard and other projects. Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross, Co Wexford, has been granted almost €2 million for the further development of the visitor experience of life on the ship and the expansion of onshore visitor facilities.
Strokestown Famine Museum in Co Roscommon, is to get €2.3 million for the interpretation of the Irish famine as well as for the study of the causes and experiences of famine across the world and across history.
Blarney Castle in Co Cork is to receive just over €1 million towards the expansion of the existing visitor amenity and to attract a broader international market. Projects include improvements to the castle and rock close, interpretation and signage, the provision of an event space in the stables, the re-establishment of the walled garden and the upgrade of existing gardens.
Minister Cullen said: "While international and domestic economic factors are creating a challenging trading environment for the tourism sector at present, it is important that we continue to invest in our tourism product, so we can be best placed to take full advantage when more favourable economic conditions return."
The funding is being allocated under Fáilte Ireland's Tourism Capital Investment Programme for projects approved by the fáilte Ireland Authority.
The new allocation is in addition to over €29 million in grants under the Tourism Capital Investment Programme.