Midlands Tourist Attraction Lost €4 Million Since 2012

Tuesday, 18 April 2023 17:24

The figure is an estimate from Westmeath County Council's annual budget.

A popular midlands tourist attraction has lost around four million euro in taxpayer since 2012.

That's according to Mullingar Chamber of Commerce, who says Belvedere House and Gardens can be better utilised to become profitable.

The figure comes from an estimation based on Westmeath County Council's annual budget.

Mullingar Chamber's Spokesperson on Economic Development, Enterprise and Tourism, John Geoghegan says the site should be subject to a Strategic Review:

In a statement to Midlands 103, Westmeath County Council says:

‘Westmeath County Council welcomes all submissions in respect of the development of policy or a strategy, and are reviewed in a constructive manner, as is the case in respect of the draft Tourism Strategy 2023-2027.

Belvedere House is recognised as a very important example of cultural built heritage and is an established tourism attraction of regional, national, and international importance, with 131,603 visitors recorded during 2022.

The House and grounds are open daily, practically all year round, and visitors can enjoy up to 10km of safe and serene woodland and lakeshore walks, become immersed in the unique history of the restored Georgian Villa, walk in the beautifully maintained Victorina Walled Garden, enjoy play areas and avail of several picnic areas and café.

A full and varied calendar of events and activities at Belvedere is promoted and publicised.

Restoration works to the roof of Belvedere House in 2023 will represent a significant investment by Westmeath County Council, which is also supported financially by the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage. Completion of this capital project will see the return of Belvedere House to a three-floor period house visitor attraction. In tandem, a Conservation Management Plan has been commissioned and will be finalised in 2023 which will provide a framework for the conservation and development of Belvedere Estate into the future.

Westmeath County Council is committed to further enhancing the visitor experience and increasing visiting numbers at Belvedere, while continuing to maintain the Estate to the highest standards, and is keen to work with all stakeholders in achieving this objective and in the context of Westmeath County Council’s forthcoming Tourism Strategy 2023-2027. ’