GOVERNMENT SHOULD ENGAGE WITH GUINNESS TRUST OVER LUGGALA SALE

Labour spokesperson on the Arts, Joan Burton TD, has welcomed reports that the Guinness family trust would ‘entertain all offers’ regarding the sale of Luggala Estate in Wicklow.

It follows an Irish Times report today that an offer currently being considered regarding the sale of the 5,000 acre estate would accommodate custodian Garech Browne living there for three months a year.

Deputy Burton commented:

“The proposal that Garech Brown be facilitated by being able to live at Luggala Estate for three months a year is extremely welcome given the care he has taken of the Estate over the years, and his contribution to culture and music in Ireland. Not to mention the many famous visitors he has hosted at the Estate, all of which have added to its allure.

“I would now call on the Government to engage with the Guinness family trust to secure the future of this irreplaceable asset and unique element of Ireland’s heritage. As I said in the Dáil yesterday, this sale provides a unique opportunity to extend Wicklow’s National Park and to secure access for the public forever.”