Although Mount Congreve has been described as the jewel in Waterford’s crown, the estate has run in to continuous financial difficulty since it was taken over by Waterford City and County Council.
It’s generally accepted that the estate is beautiful and moving in the right direction, but a debate continues around how the estate should be funded into the future—with some Councillors saying the council has no business in such a large project, and others suggesting that the timeline for profitability should have been longer from the start, considering all the work that had to be done.
Speaking in the Seanad, Senator Joe Conway asked specifically for Minister of State for Expenditure and Infrastructure, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, to meet with Waterford Council CEO Sean McKeown to discuss increased government support for Mount Congreve.
Kevin Moran previously served as Minister of State for the OPW. Recently, he visited Passage East Community Centre to speak directly to locals affected by flooding during Strom Chandra.
“We have in Waterford a beautiful house that was taken over by Waterford City and County Council called Mount Congreve House and Gardens. It does not run cheap,” explained Senator Conway.
“Maybe there could be partnership and support. I do not think the council has the facility to continually bail it out every year. It takes a while for this to build up a head of steam and an acceptance among the population.
“Will the Minister of State contact the chief executive, Seán McKeown, in Waterford City and County Council and have a word about Mount Congreve House and Gardens?” Senator Conway asked.
Senator Conway did not receive a direct reply from the Minister who was fielding multiple questions.
AARON KENT Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
