I was very pleased to be advised this week that Portumna Castle Gate Lodge is now in State ownership after receiving confirmation that the land transfer process has been completed.
The Gate Lodge was put on the market earlier this year. Following my intervention with Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Josepha Madigan, her Department began the process of acquiring the property.
I have now been advised that the Gate Lodge is in public ownership and its future is secured. This is excellent news for Portumna. The Gate Lodge is an integral part of the Castle and it was vital that it should be secured to enhance the tourist offering there.
There have also been great improvements at the Castle recently with the Office of Public Works opening the café and courtyard building.
Portumna is a key attraction within the tourism initiative around Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. The town is blessed with the natural amenity provided by the River Shannon that is complemented by the attractions of a modern marina, the Irish Workhouse Centre and the Castle and walled gardens.