09/02/2015

€624,000 Fund To Protect Heritage Buildings

A total of €624,000 is to be invested in upgrading and protecting heritage buildings in Ireland.

The funding has been made available under the Structures at Risk Fund 2015. The fund is used to safeguard structures in both private and civic ownership, which are protected under the Planning and Development Act 2000. It can also apply to certain structures within Architectural Conservation Areas.

The works usually funded under the scheme include roof repairs, measures to ensure weather tightness, and structural consolidation.

Welcoming the funding, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD, said: "This scheme encourages the regeneration and reuse of heritage properties and helps to secure the preservation of protected structures which might otherwise be lost. Since 2011, over 100 structures have been safeguarded for the future as a result of the SRF scheme.

"Continuing the scheme this year will allow individuals and Local Authorities to take positive action to protect heritage buildings and structures in their area. Our built heritage is an incredibly important asset in terms of tourism and for the pride and enjoyment of local communities.

"By continuing to support best practice in the conservation of protected structures, we can preserve our built heritage for future generations and boost our attractiveness as a tourist destination, while also contributing to local employment."

(JP/CD)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

15 November 2019
New Built Heritage Investment Scheme Launched
A new Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Historic Structures Fund for 2020 has been launched by the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan. Making the announcement, Minister Madigan said: "It gives me great pleasure to launch the 2020 built heritage schemes, which are now open for applications.
15 January 2014
Govt To 'De-Designate' Bogs For Turf-Cutting
A number of bogs due to come under a turf-cutting ban later this year are to be "de-designated", the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has announced. The department has said that it will produce a new list of bogs, containing a number that had previously been deemed as Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) of Conservation.
06 June 2011
Decisions On 20-Year Strategy For Irish Language Set Out
Final decisions have been taken by the Government regarding the new definition of the Gaeltacht and the implementation structures for the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language.
15 August 2017
Not One Application Under Town & Village Renewal Programme Has Been Approved
Applications under the Town & Village Renewal Programme 2017 are still "being assessed", the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys, has revealed in a response to a Parliamentary Question.
16 August 2016
Ulster Canal Advisory Forum Established
A new Ulster Canal Advisory Forum has been established to explore options for advancing the Canal Project and examine possible funding mechanisms.