Council purchases historic Moorehall
MAYO County Council has acquired Moorehall from Coillte and intend to enhance and develop it for the benefit of the people of Mayo and the nation.
The property being acquired comprises some 80 acres of woodland estate overlooking Lough Carra, including the house, courtyard and walled garden. The purchase price is €400,000.
The estate will be developed in collaboration with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, who are strongly supportive of the project.
Moorehall is of national historic significance. It was the ancestral home of John Moore, first President of the Republic of Connaught, and of the renowned Moore literary writers. The history of the family and of Moorehall is closely intertwined with significant events in the history of our emerging nation, including the 1798 French invasion, the Irish literary renaissance of the late 19th and early 20th centuries and the Civil War.
Said Councillor Richard Finn, cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council: “I welcome this important investment, which I believe will be widely welcomed by people living in and visiting the county.
“Moorehall is a place of exceptional history, going back many generations, the remnants which are still visible on its historic landscape. The acquisition of Moorehall by the council will ensure that the heritage of Moorehall is preserved not just for this generation but for future generations.”
The council proposes to develop the estate as a nationally important nature reserve and tourism attraction. It is a key component of the council's long term tourism strategy of developing outstanding tourism products and experiences across Mayo.
Mr. Peter Hynes, chief executive, commented: “The acquisition of Moorehall is a very exciting initiative that has significant potential in the areas of tourism, public amenity and cultural development.
“The development of a strategic partnership between Mayo County Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service addresses a longstanding plan to preserve and develop a very important historic landscape, house and environment. I believe this partnership presents an exceptional opportunity to maximise the potential of Moorehall and the wider Lough Carra area in the years ahead.”
A unique strategic partnership between Mayo County Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service will 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.
Said Mr. Denis Strong, divisional manager, National Parks and Wildlife Service: “Moorehall is an internationally important scientific and nature conservation site. We look forward to working with the council in providing expertise on the management of the natural habitats and, in particular, the protected bat species for which the site is designated a Special Area of Conservation.”
A new masterplan for the estate will be developed by both partners in consultation with stakeholders and the local community, and 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.
Michael Ring, Minister for Rural and Community Development, said: “I am delighted to be associated with this major announcement, which undoubtedly demonstrates that the council is focused on developing potential tourism assets throughout the county to foster rural job creation. This project will complement existing tourism attractions in the area including Ballintubber Abbey, Lough Carra and historic Ballinrobe. This is an excellent example of a tourism project where the benefits can seep into rural villages and towns.”
Mr. Richard Lowe, commercial director of Coillte Land Solutions, said: “Having been approached by Mayo County Council, Coillte are delighted to be facilitating their plans to develop Moorehall as a nationally significant tourism attraction and public amenity area. We warmly support this initiative, which will greatly enhance Ireland’s responsible sustainable tourism offering as well as provide benefits for both the national and regional economy.”