*O’Connell Monument. Photograph: John Mangan
A total of €35,000 in in funding has been allocated to carry out essential repairs and maintenance on the iconic O’Connell Monument in Ennis.
Funding has been announced as part of the €4.3m set aside under the 2020 Historic Structures Fund (HSF) and Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS).
‘Emergency and stabilisation’ works on the O’Connell Monument has been awarded €35,000 from the fund.
Deputy Joe Carey said the works will help “provide employment for many small businesses, conservation specialists and tradespeople involved in heritage-related construction activity in Clare. These schemes will play a vital role in helping local communities to regenerate the areas where they live and work, and to protect our built heritage for future generations”.
Carey added, “As the phased reopening of our economy continues, it is hoped it will be possible that many of the projects under the two Built Heritage Capital grant schemes can proceed without further delay”.
Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan (FG) commented, “I would like to thank the local authorities for their assistance in administering these schemes. I would also like to acknowledge the response of private owners and their willingness to invest their time and money in caring for our built heritage. I am delighted to be able to continue investing in our built heritage”.
