Minister Michael Ring has confirmed that the Government has provided €100,000 towards the purchase of Moorehall Estate on Lough Carra.
The estate, which has been acquired by Mayo County Council, comprises some 80 acres of woodland estate overlooking Lough Carra including the house, courtyard, and walled garden.
It will be developed as a nationally important nature reserve and tourist attraction in collaboration with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS ) of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
Mayo County Council, in collaboration with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, is proposing to develop the estate as a nationally important nature reserve and tourist attraction.
Minister Ring said: "It has been confirmed to me by my colleague, Josepha Madigan TD, the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, that her Department has provided €100,000 towards the purchase and development of Moorehall Estate. The investment, which will be paid over four years, will help ensure that the natural, built, and cultural heritage of Moorehall is protected, yet developed and managed in a sustainable manner for current and future generations.
"A plan for the estate will be developed by Mayo County Council and the National Park and Wildlife Service in consultation with stakeholders and the local community. It will include the development of a recreational park, conservation measures, and restoration of the historic walled garden to coincide with the upcoming national centenary celebrations of the foundation of the State.
“Having previously served as Minister in the Department of Culture, Heritage, and the Gaeltacht and having worked with Mayo County Council on this project, I am delighted that this investment in Moorehall has come to fruition. The realisation of the Moorehall project will be a significant boost to the local area and will attract visitors and create local employment.
“I would hope that the investment in Moorehall will help attract more people to this largely undiscovered part of Mayo. Lough Carra, on which Moorehall sits, is a beautiful lake with huge potential as a recreational attraction. It really is an undiscovered gem. In fact, Lough Carra and Moorehall complement each other perfectly.”
