Press release
Minister Moran announces the completion of the purchase of land at Emo Demesne
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Flood Relief, today announced the purchase of a plot of land, approximately 8 acres, which is situated within the historic demesne of Emo Court. The plot is located to the side of the main Wellingtonia Avenue, near the original main entrance to the Estate.
Minister Moran said:
"I am delighted to announce the purchase of this piece of land which will enable the OPW to restore the historic planting line of the Wellingtonia Avenue and safeguard the original entrance to this wonderful Estate for future generations."
The Minister concluded:
"Historical and cultural sites have an important function in presenting Irish heritage to overseas tourists, and historic houses and their estates are a vital attraction for both local and foreign visitors. These properties play an important role in stimulating economic development, particularly at community level, so anywhere we can re-instate important aspects of any property or estate allows us to showcase the original concept of these wonderful demesnes."
The OPW welcomes this addition to the Emo Demesne which enhances the wide portfolio of heritage properties under its care.
ENDS
For further information, please contact OPW Client Services and Communications Unit at opwcsc@opw.ie or 087 947 5552.
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Emo Court is a Gandon-designed country house set in approximately 250 acres of park and agricultural land and has been in State ownership since 1995, when then Irish President Mary Robinson accepted the property on behalf of the State from Major Cholmeley Harrison.
Since the handover to the State several conservation and development works have been completed. The Estate comprises formal gardens, walking trails, a 20-acre man made lake, mixed woodlands, meadows, and the Cholmeley Harrison Arboretum. The Dower House has been conserved and a Tearoom installed within with a gift shop available year-round for visitors.
The grounds are among the most spectacular designed landscapes in the midlands and the beautiful lake and woodland trails are already very popular with local people. Over 300,000 people use the estate each year. However, fewer than 20,000 people visit the house and the aim of this initiative is to increase this number substantially.