RUSSBOROUGH HOUSE RECEIVES €2.2 MILLION TOURISM GRANT

Issued 10 December 2008

Wicklow County Tourism has warmly welcomed the news that members Russborough House in Blessington is to receive €2,251,351 in Tourism Development Grants under Fáilte Ireland’s Tourism Capital Investment Programme.

The announcement was made on 8th December 2008 by the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism Martin Cullen TD. Russborough Trustees, CEO Eric Blatchford and the staff have thanked the Minister for this generous announcement.

Kevin Kidney, General Manager of Fáilte Ireland East and Midlands stressed the need for investment in product development. He said “We are ensuring that the investment we make is in projects and areas that will bring the best results in terms of visitor interest and those that make the most economic sense. Russborough House is an excellent example of the type of project which will benefit both tourism and the local economy by attracting visitors and revenue."

Located in natural surroundings, there is arguably no other Palladian house in Ireland to rival Russborough House aesthetically or architecturally. It was designed by the renowned German architect Richard Cassels. The house is well maintained and contains fine furniture, tapestries, carpets, porcelain, silver and bronze.

Grant funding of up to €2,251,351 has been allocated for the further development of the house and restoration of the gardens including: restoration of the Ice House and Lime Kiln.

The funding will also cover the development of a new visitor experience to provide information about the history of the house, its estate and gardens and the family histories of the owners, the development of the Alfred Beit photographic and film exhibition, as well as the development of a playground and sculpture garden.

Further information is available at www.russborough.ie

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