the Lafcadio Hearne Japanese Gardens in Tramore are set to receive a major boost with the addition of an audio visual interpretation centre.
The extension is being designed to welcome visitors in several languages.
Over seventeen thousand people from across 40 countries visited the gardens last year.
The current lease expires in 2023, but the non-profit overseeing it - the Tramore Development Trust - want it extended by an extra ten years to help receive funding from Fáilte Ireland.
Waterford Councillors recently unanimously approved the extension.
Fine Gael Councillor Lola O'Sullivan says the grounds have improved greatly since the Tramore Development Trust took over.
"When this was in the ownership of Tramore Town Council, it was derelict," she said, "the only way to describe it was drink parties taking place... This is to afford them the opportunity to build on an extra office."
