Reilly got tax breaks to renovate Offaly mansion

HEALTH Minister James Reilly has confirmed he has received tax breaks for maintaining his 13-bed family mansion in Co Offaly.

The house has been offered for use for next month’s visit by US President Barack Obama. The Government is considering using the estate as a transport hub when Mr Obama visits his ancestral home in Moneygall.

The minister has received tax breaks for six years running to help pay for renovations to the three-storey Laughton House, which is surrounded by 150 acres of farm and woodland.

Estate Agent Bill Montgomery’s office confirmed that the property was advertised for IR£2.75 million in 2000. It was bought by Dr Reilly two years later. It is believed the final sale price was a little less than IR£2m, which included the land.

The property is registered in the name of the minister’s wife, Dorothy Reilly.

The minister’s spokesman confirmed the property would be open to the public this summer, in accordance with tax-break conditions.

“It’s clear it is a major house and requires a certain amount of maintenance. The tax break is also available to others,” he said.

Mr Reilly’s spokesman confirmed he has offered the manor for use during Mr Obama’s visit.

The tax breaks received by Mr Reilly were a private affair, his spokesman said.

A government source last night confirmed there were discussions about basing some of the transport for the high-security visit at Dr Reilly’s family estate.