Council's 'leap of faith' in granting major loan to Mount Congreve showing positive results
Mount Congreve Estate. Photo: Colin Shanahan
Councillors in Waterford were updated last week regarding progress at Mount Congreve, following the Council decision to grant a €750,000 loan to the gardens in September of last year.
To the satisfaction of the Council Chamber, representatives from Mount Congreve reported that the gardens have been on a steady upward trajectory since being granted the loan.
On September 13, 2024, Waterford City and County Council approved the loan to Mount Congreve to support its ongoing efforts in developing and sustaining the gardens.
The loan was approved at the time by a vote of 20 out of 32 local councillors during a Plenary meeting that saw some disagreement over the decision.
Council Chief Executive, Sean McKeown, informed councillors at that time that Mount Congreve was facing significant financial challenges, due to lower-than-expected visitor numbers, owing mainly to the relatively poor weather that summer, and higher than forecasted operating costs.
He also acknowledged the decision to hand the gardens a loan was a challenging one.
Mount Congreve CEO Sara Dolan and Chairman Des Whelan informed the council at a Plenary meeting last week that visitor numbers are up year-on-year and that the gardens are now on track to achieve breakeven in 2026.
There has been significant growth in footfall year-on-year, going from 52,623 visitors in 2024 to 57,775 in 2025.
Revenue from accommodation has increased almost fivefold since last year, jumping from €70,979 to €341,699.
It is forecasted that accommodation revenue will increase to €525,706 in 2026.
Total sales growth at the gardens went from €578,402 in 2024 to €993,263 in 2025, an increase of 72%.
It was also revealed at the meeting that Mount Congreve is due to receive a "prestigious international garden award" later this month, the only recipient in the Republic of Ireland.
Responding to the positive direction of the gardens, councillors complimented its staff and board for their work.
Cathaoirleach of the Comeragh District, Cllr Seanie Power said he was “delighted to see a turnaround”, whilst newly elected Cathaoirleach of Dungarvan/Lismore Cllr Niamh O’Donovan said it was “such a relief”.
Cllr Damien Geoghegan added, “When you came in here asking for funding there was a certain amount of apprehensiveness, but we took a leap of faith and I’m glad we did. Rome wasn't built in a day. To me Mount Congreve has certainly turned a corner.”
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Jason Murphy said that the decision to grant the loan “will be justified in years to come” and that “the people of Waterford will thank us all”.
Chairman of the gardens, Des Whelan, said, “We’re turning a big ship slowly. There's an awful lot to be done, but I do think we’ve had a good start.”
A number of councillors made the suggestion that the next step be the procurement of additional signage to further advertise the gardens on local roads.
