Austin Deasy
Question:75 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Finance if the gardens at Mount Congreve, County Waterford have been officially handed over to the State; and if they contain plants which are unique in this country. [10190/99]
Written Answers. - Mount Congreve Gardens.
The gardens at Mount Congreve are the subject of a trust, the ultimate beneficiary of which is the State. Under the terms of the relevant trust deed, ownership of the trust property, which also includes the mansion house known as Mount Congreve House, is vested in four trustees, one of whom is the Commissioners of Public Works. The property is available for State purposes. At the end of the respective trust periods designated in the trust deed, the trust property will come into absolute State ownership and State care for the use, benefit and enjoyment of the Irish people. The trust property is under the management of Mr. Congreve on behalf of the trustees. The gardens at Mount Congreve are internationally famous and house a massive and magnificent collection of both mature and developing exotic plants and shrubs from around the world, many of which are extremely rare. The gardens are regarded by the international horticultural and botanical community as being not only one of the greatest Irish gardens but in the highest rank of gardens anywhere in the world and an outstanding scientific and cultural resource.