*James Browne TD (FF). Photograph: Andrew Downes
OVER €150,000 has been announced for the protection of historic buildings in Clare.
The Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) supports the repair, restoration and protection of historic structures from traditional homes to landmark public buildings across Ireland, in our cities, towns and villages and across the wider countryside. The scheme covers restoration work to historic buildings such as roof and wall repairs and works on windows and doors.
The funding is provided by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s National Built Heritage Service and is administered by the local authorities.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD (FF), remarked, “This funding under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme will ensure that the architectural legacy of past generations continues to survive in towns, villages, and rural communities in Clare and across the country.
The preservation of our built heritage relies on our taking action today to repair, maintain, and secure the integrity of these buildings with the care and attention they deserve.
Along with new initiatives such as the revised Living City Initiative, the improved and expanded Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, the Built Heritage Investment Scheme helps to preserve our past while also securing our future by maximising use of existing building stock and helping to prevent or reverse vacancy, dereliction, and underuse.”
Clare projects funded today include:
- €10,000 for windows, doors and shopfront of Walls Shop, Main Street, Ennistymon.
- €20,000 for roof repairs to Monument House, Frances Street, Kilrush
- €25,000 for windows, doors and associated elements at St Columba’s Church, Bindon St, Ennis.
Minister of State with responsibility for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD (FF), added, “Built heritage in Ireland isn’t just about great houses and magnificent public structures. Often, the architectural jewel in our towns and villages is a historic building where people meet, live or work.
The Government is committed to helping communities and individuals to keep these buildings alive, prevent them from falling into ruin and ensure that they are in good health for future generations. At the same time, we are supporting the traditional craftspeople in Clare and throughout the country whose specialist skills turn history into homes, community hubs and businesses. I trust that the €8.1m funding provided this year will have an enormous impact, and I look forward to seeing how the projects progress over the course of the year.”
€8.1 million has been awarded nationally through the Built Heritage Investment Scheme. Of the total funding, almost €1.1 million has been earmarked for works to thatched buildings, made up of almost €600,000 from the dedicated Historic Thatched Buildings stream, plus an additional €490,000 from the mainstream of the BHIS.
In addition to the public funding provided under BHIS, an estimated €35 million of private funds will be committed to these projects by owners and custodians, further enhancing the investment in Ireland’s built heritage and representing an effective partnership between the State, individuals and communities around the country.
