Westmeath County Council have taken a significant step to secure the future of Lilliput House and its surrounding lands at Lilliput, Dysart, by formalising a 10-year lease agreement with Francis Wright and Patricia Wright, trading as the Lilliput Adventure Centre.

Elected members unanimously agreed to the move at the May meeting of the authority.

The decision aims to ensure the continued operation of the popular local attraction while safeguarding the property for community use.

The council originally acquired approximately 10 acres of lakeshore at Lilliput in the early 1980s to guarantee public access to Lough Ennell.

In 1990, a joint purchase with Lilliput and District Estate Ltd added another 50 acres, including the then-derelict Lilliput House.

Over the years, the property underwent extensive restoration, including the refurbishment and extension of the house, the creation of a par 3 golf course, new accommodation, and a coffee shop.

The improvements were made possible through grants, employment schemes, and volunteer contributions.

Following the dissolution of Lilliput and District Estate Ltd in 1999, Westmeath County Council assumed sole ownership in 2011, with the stipulation that the property remain dedicated to amenity purposes.

Recognising the importance of on-site residential occupation for security, the council invited Francis Wright to reside at Lilliput House and operate the adventure centre. Until now, the arrangement was informal.

The newly agreed lease, commencing May 1, 2026, sets a commercial rent of €12,500 per annum, reflecting current market conditions and the challenges faced by the leisure sector, such as rising insurance costs.

The agreement includes a rent review after five years.

The council said the formal lease not only secures the property but also supports the ongoing provision of leisure, employment, and tourism opportunities at Lilliput Adventure Centre, benefiting the local community and visitors alike.