10 Jun Dillon welcomes Fáilte Ireland funding of €20.2 million for Westport House

– Fáilte Ireland funding of €20.2 million allocated to Westport House Estate & Gardens in Westport, Co. Mayo;

– Total project value of €36.1million for restoration and reimagining of Westport House and Gardens Estate;

– Mayo by far the largest recipient of €73million investment in new world-class visitor experiences.

Fine Gael Spokesperson on Tourism and Sport, Deputy Alan Dillon, has welcomed news from Fáilte Ireland that funding of €20.2 million has been allocated to Westport House Estate & Gardens in Westport, Co. Mayo.  Their investment of over €20 million will bring the total project value to €36.1million for the restoration and reimagining of Westport House and Gardens Estate.  Mayo is by far the largest recipient of the €73million investment by Fáilte Ireland in developing a range of world-class visitor experiences.

Deputy Dillon said: “The restoration and reimagining of the Westport House and Gardens Estate will aim to offer visitors a multi-layered, multi-day experience.  A key element of this exciting project is the ‘Wild Realms’ project which will allow visitors to connect with nature and absorb the vibrant sights, smells and sounds of the wild flora and native woodlands across the estate.  The new attraction, over the 300-acre estate will allow visitors to explore ancient Irish rituals and our ancestors’ connections to the land as told through a series of accessible wild and natural spaces.  Westport House and Gardens will also be restored.  Once completed, it is expected visitors can enjoy the enhanced experience of the grand house with its formal gardens and learn about the Grace O’Malley family who lived there for centuries.”

Deputy Dillon concluded: “Every investment in our tourism infrastructure benefits the county as a whole.  Getting people to visit and holiday in Mayo and use it as their base for exploring the Wild Atlantic Way provides more significant benefits than day or weekend visitors.  The fact that our tourism infrastructure is evolving to cater for multi-day experiences demonstrates the growing demand and recognition of Mayo as a premier tourism county.  We have the airport and thankfully the roads are finally being built.  The level of investment by this Government is unprecedented and I will continue to support greater investment into our county.”