UNDER a new operating plan, the Fota Trust will continue to manage the Fota Island arboretum, orangery and walled gardens, under the aegis of the Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht.
"The difference is that for the first time, we have sufficient funds to do what is needed here at Fota. The Department will make £130,000 available in two tranches during the first year, and after that the budget will be reviewed on an annual basis", said Prof Tom Raftery of University College, Cork.
The arboretum contains many species of trees, particularly conifers, which are unique to this island. This is due to the microclimate in which it was planted last century. Recently, when the arboretum had become run down, there was a public outcry about the manner in which it was proposed to restore it. But yesterday Prof Raftery, who acquired the Fota estate in 1975 for UCC, said its future was now on a firm footing. The Heritage Service of the Department is to underwrite its management and development from now on.
In 1985, UCC sold the estate to LET Leisure, a British development company, but a newly formed body, Fota Trust Company, retained control of the arboretum, Fota House and about 15 acres. The following year, the arboretum and gardens were transferred to State ownership.
As well as an internationally acclaimed collection of shrubs, Fota contains exotic species of trees from all over the world. And these have been documented since planting began. The inventory of trees and shrubs was updated in June 1995.
A long term, sensitive approach to remedial work on the trees would be undertaken on a programmed basis, said Prof Raftery. A management plan had also been drawn up in accordance with international objectives established by the International Council on Monuments and Sites and the Convention for the Protection of Architectural Heritage in Europe.
"The latest move safeguards an important Irish heritage centre. Fota will be listed as one of Ireland's great gardens and we will have direct links with the National Botanical Gardens. The financial aid package means that we can proceed to develop the arboretum and gardens in a way that will do them justice", Prof Raftery said.