Multi-million pound plan to restore Moorehall
March 27 1996
A £3.8 million proposal has been drafted to restore one of the country's historically significant estates to its former glory. Moorehall on the shores of Lough Carra was the former home of John Moore, the first president of Connaught, Statesman and Famine ameliorator George Henry Moore and George Augustus Moore the writer and novelist and co-founder of the Abbey.
The building was completed in 1795 and was occupied continuously until 1910. It was destroyed by fire in January 1923, during the Civil war.The blueprint has been compiled by the Moorehall Restoration Committee. The document states; "Moorehall itself is of architectural significance. It was designed by Waterford architect John Roberts who also designed Tyrone House in Clarenbridge and Waterford Cathedral."
The estate which sweeps down to Lough Carra is now owned by Coillte Teo, the State Forestry Agency.
The committee stated in the document: " Our objective is to see Moorehall fully restored as a self-sustaining, self-financing entity."
"It should be a multi-interest site with specific areas designated to particular members of the family and events of national and international interest.
"These areas would all have stand-alone displays, audio visual presentations, computerised data retrieval and interaction points as well as general tour guides"
There would also be provision for bar, catering and dining, a craft shop, and literary and historical study areas.
Financial backing for the development is to be sought from the Government and Trade and Tourism Minister, Enda Kenny has already indicated his support for the project.
Throughout the development stage various Governments will be targeted to assist. These would include France, Spain, US, South Africa, UK, Belgium and Japan.
The project will be undertaken in three strands.
- The first would involve the restoration of the house, including the re-roofing and the refurbishing of the house. This would cost £2.6m.
- The second strand will involve the clearing of the site and the development of the 7-acre lawn and opening up of the view of Lough Carra as well as the restoration of the 2 acre walled garden. This has been costed at £800,000.
- In the third stand £400,000 has ben earmarked for national and international promotion.
The committee added: "Our aim is to restore to Connaught and Ireland the home and estate of one of its foremost patriot and literary families."
The committee also envisage the development of a water route from
Moorehall, through Lough Carra to Ballintubber Abbey as well as pony
trekking in the wooded estate.
Connaught Telegraph - News - Mar 1996
Connaught Telegraph - Sports - Mar 1996
