Major Investment Announced For Built Heritage Projects

Environment Minister John Gormley, T.D., last week announced a funding package of almost €25 million to support built heritage projects in 2008. The amount represents a record increase of 42% on that spent in 2007.

The main elements of the programme include:

• approximately €7m for architectural protection grants administered by local authorities, an increase of 17% on the amount spent in 2007;
• €4.4m in funding for the Civic Structure Grants scheme.  More than doubling from €1.9m in 2007 to €4.4m this year, this amount includes a new grant scheme of €1.9m to support works on churches of significant architectural importance;
• a €7m allocation to the Office of Public Works, an increase of almost 30% on 2007, to support works on properties in State care; and,
• over €6.1m  to fund works on properties not in State care, with much of this investment channelled through the Heritage Council.

The Minister stated "Investment in built heritage conservation is vital for the safeguarding of our important architectural heritage and the increased level of funding, which I have secured this year underlines the Government's commitment in this area.  I am confident the increased package of funding measures that I am announcing today will encourage an integrated and multidisciplinary approach to built heritage conservation as a whole."

An important element of this funding package sees the allocation of nearly €7m to local authorities to support the conservation of protected structures, a 17% increase over the amount spent in 2007. The Minister said, "local authorities have a key role in delivering effective conservation programmes in their areas. The additional €1m I am providing will allow local authorities support additional projects in 2008". Such conservation projects on protected structures include thatching houses, work on shop and pub fronts, timber sash windows, and repair/conservation of features of architectural significance generally.

The Walled Towns Initiative was launched last year and administered by the Heritage Council. Minister Gormley said he wants "to build on this excellent start and therefore I have allocated a further €2m funding in 2008. Walled Towns are a very significant tourist attraction and contribute considerably to the towns that are fortunate enough to have such iconic features. I believe we must do our best to conserve these beautiful reminders of our rich history." It is estimated that up to 40 towns North and South have surviving medieval walls.

These originated in the building of defensive strongholds that evolved into medieval walled towns. They came to function as the political, cultural and economic engines that drove the development of these towns. The list of towns is widespread and ranges from major urban centres and smaller rural locations. This list would includes include Athenry, Athlone, Carlingford, Carrickfergus, Cashel, Clonmel, Cork City, Drogheda, Dublin, Fethard, Galway,  Kilkenny, Kilmallock, Limerick, Trim, Waterford, Wexford, and Youghal Preservation of these structures contributes to the attractiveness of their area and often has positive economic and tourism spin-offs.

This year's programme also provides continued support for a number of significant heritage properties held in trust or private ownership including Bantry House, Johnstown Castle, Marlfield House, and Fota House. The Minister stated, "the Heritage Council are to be commended for their ongoing dedication to the protection and conservation of selected key heritage properties throughout the country. The Council plays a pivotal role in identifying and managing conservation works at key properties which can then be preserved for future generations to enjoy".