Boost for Laois as Emo Court set for €1.2 million overhaul

The landmark Emo Court is in line for a 'major upgrade' to make it a 'must see' Laois destination following the award of €1.2 million.

The majestic Georgian house is among the first successful applicants under the Government’s €1 billion Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, which aims to breathe new life into Ireland’s smaller towns and villages.

The Department of Rural and Community Development described the work to be carried out.

"The funding will provide a major upgrade of the Emo Court Estate, which will celebrate 25 years in public ownership in 2019.

"Work will include the opening of two extra floors to the public, an event and exhibition space, and enhancements to the grounds. Will provide a “must-see” tourist attraction for the region," said a statement.

The project will include the opening of the first floor to the public, which will provide a “walk-in-the-shoes” experience documenting the house’s 20th-century history. The basement of the property will house a recreation of an 18th-century kitchen.

Laois TD and Minister for Justice & Equality, Charlie Flanagan, confirmed and welcomed the additional funding. 

 “This is really good news for Emo Court. Emo Court is now seen as a major tourist attraction and is experiencing unprecedented popularity. According to figures provided by the OPW, visitor numbers to the House are over 13,000 and 290,000 to the grounds annually,” he said.

This Gandon-designed house was once the seat of the Earls of Portarlington. After being used as a secondary school by the Jesuits it was purchased by Major Chomley Chomley Harrison.

The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund aims to rejuvenate smaller towns, villages and rural areas, generate job opportunities in rural areas, and help communities to improve their quality of life.  

More than 290 projects applied for this first stage, with the focus in this round on heritage and tourism, infrastructural improvement, economic development, and rural regeneration.

Over the next four years, €315 million is earmarked for rural communities through the Fund.

An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD said he was struck by the dynamism of the ideas that were submitted.  

"Projects involving heritage, regeneration and the public realm, greenways, telecommunications, tourism, environment, enterprise, and public transport. Some, however, stood out from the pack and they are the ones being awarded today.  

"They are projects that have significant potential to improve rural Ireland and to do so quickly; these projects will hit the ground running and I look forward to seeing the results,” he said.

Commenting on today’s funding allocation, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring TD, said the funds would be transformative.

"The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund will provide the impetus for the transformation of hundreds of rural towns and villages over the next ten years," he said.

Emo and 17 projects to be supported in 2019, totalling €24.4 million. €55 million in total has been allocated to the Fund for 2019 and further announcements of projects to be funded in 2019 will follow shortly.