Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour)
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269. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on the transfer of Mount Congreve, County Waterford into public ownership; if he will provide a timeline for this project; when the gardens will be open to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54045/13]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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The house and gardens at Mount Congreve are currently under the care of the Mount Congreve Trust. The Mount Congreve Trust consists of three Trustees including the Commissioners of Public Works. The remaining two Trustees represent the Congreve Foundation and were appointed by Mr. Congreve.

The Trust period for the gardens commenced in May 2011 and will expire in May 2032. The Mansion House will remain in the hands of the Trust until 2059. Only upon the expiration of these Trust periods will the properties revert to the ownership of the State.

The Commissioners of Public Works, in their role as Trustee, and the office of the Attorney General, have been in discussions with the Congreve Foundation as to the future management of the Trust properties. These discussions are ongoing.