Waterford councillors welcome the purchase of the late Dervla Murphy's home in Lismore
Travel writer Dervla Murphy at her home in Lismore, Co Waterford. Picture Dan Linehan
Councillors in West Waterford have welcomed the council's purchase of the late Dervla Murphy’s home in Lismore.
Speaking at the November sitting of the Dungarvan-Lismore District Council, Cllr John Pratt, who first suggested the acquisition, said he was delighted to see it happen.
But he also said he took issue with how it happened.
“I brought it here and it was supported at a meeting, and I suppose just that I’m a little bit disappointed that the councillors were not invited to that particular opening or whatever.
"I know it was low-key enough just to make that point,” said Cllr Pratt.
Cllr Thomas Phelan reiterated his district colleague's point and commended him for bringing the idea forward in the first place.
“I want to commend my colleague Cllr Pratt for bringing forward the suggestion about Dervla Murphy’s house and to see movement on it.
“Again, it would have been nice to see councillors at that initial event, but I’m sure there will be other opportunities there,” said Cllr Phelan.
Waterford City and County Council announced the acquisition of the home of the internationally renowned travel writer last month.
The purchase was funded under the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht’s Building and Land Acquisition Measure.
A survey and evaluation of the site will be undertaken and as well as a cultural heritage and development study to determine what to do with the site.
Welcoming the acquisition, Mayor of Waterford City and County Seamus Ryan said the late Dervla Murphy was "a true trailblazer".
“She held a special place in her heart for Lismore, and that affection was deeply reciprocated by the people of Lismore.
“Now, with the Council’s acquisition of the site of her beloved home, we are presented with a rare and wonderful opportunity to create a heritage space that not only honours Dervla’s remarkable legacy but also brings her writings, her global observations, and her boundless sense of adventure to life,” said Mayor Ryan.
