‘Momentum’ behind multi-million tourism investment in Mayo estate
Minister Alan Dillon says negotiations between Westport Estate and Fáilte Ireland moving towards delivery
A MULTI-million tourism investment into the Westport Estate which will transform the iconic west Mayo venue into a 'flagship tourism destination' is at an 'advanced stage' of delivery.
Mayo TD and Minister of State, Alan Dillon confirmed to The Mayo News that a major breakthrough has been reached in plans to transform the Westport Estate into a flagship tourism destination and that negotiations are now at an advanced stage on a key investment agreement.
The Fine Gael Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with special responsibility for Tourism, said discussions between Fáilte Ireland and Westport House are nearing conclusion and will 'unlock' significant support for the long-anticipated redevelopment. Describing the progress as 'hugely positive', Minister Dillon said the proposal is now moving decisively towards delivery.
“We are now at an advanced stage in progressing a major investment partnership for Westport Estate,” he said.
'Momentum'
“This is extremely significant for Westport, for Mayo, and for the wider west of Ireland. While there are final steps to complete, there is real momentum behind this.”
The Westport Estate was purchased by the Hughes Family in 2017 who later partnered with Fáilte Ireland to provide funding as part of an overall €75 million investment across the estate.
It is believed that the next funding announcement will be in excess of the €20 million granted by Fáilte Ireland in 2021 through the ‘Platforms for Growth’ grant for Heritage and Cultural Attractions.
The ambitious plan will see the historic estate redeveloped into a major multi-day visitor destination, strengthening the Wild Atlantic Way and attracting new visitors to the region.
Minister Dillon said that the investment into the Westport Estate will ensure it becomes a 'flagship tourism destination' in the north-west which will increase visitor numbers and overnight stays in the region and bring strong economic benefits for local businesses as well as job creation across the tourism sector.
'Strategic priority'
The Castlebar-based TD said the Government has identified the project as a strategic priority and as the Minister within the Department who oversees Fáilte Ireland, he said he has been working in support of the project’s progression.
“In my role within the Department, I have been working with Fáilte Ireland and officials to support this and ensure it continues to move forward,” he said.
“Engagement between the department, Fáilte Ireland and Westport Estate has helped maintain strong momentum.
“Fáilte Ireland and the Westport Estate team have invested a huge amount of effort in developing a high-quality and ambitious proposal. There is a shared determination to deliver something truly exceptional.”
Minister Dillon acknowledged the challenges faced, particularly rising construction costs.
“This is a complex development and, like many projects, it has been impacted by significant cost increases,” he said.
“The focus has been on ensuring the appropriate supports are in place to bring it through to delivery.”
Minister Dillon said the benefits from the investment in the Westport Estate would extend far beyond Westport.
“This is about strengthening tourism right across Mayo and the west, supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and building on what is already a thriving destination.
“Westport is already one of Ireland’s leading tourism towns, but this has the potential to take it to another level entirely.
“We now have a real opportunity to deliver a project of national significance here in Mayo, and I am committed to seeing that happen,” he said.