Latest Laois News: €100K for Laois Heritage and Conservation projects welcomed

Minister Noonan announces €3m in funding for 85 built heritage projects under Historic Structures Fund 2021 

Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, TD, today announced that 85 heritage projects right across the country will benefit from a total of €3m under this year’s Historic Structures Fund (HSF). 

Announcing the funding today, Minister Noonan said:  

‘I am delighted to announce another €3m investment in our built heritage. This year’s Historic Structures Fund will assist 85 owners and custodians of historic and protected structures across the country as they carry out a range of conservation projects to repair and safeguard our built heritage and supporting local employment of skilled conservation workers and tradespeople. I am particularly pleased to announce the awards to vernacular structures and historic shopfronts made under the two pilots streams introduced this year. These awards celebrate the richness and diversity of our built heritage and help to preserve our connections to past generations, in particular through their support of traditional building skills, which this Government is committed to investing in.’ 

‘I can also announce that I am reopening the applications for funding for Irish Language shopfronts and will publish further details in the coming days.’

Minister Pippa Hackett had this to say about the announcement:

“Our historic buildings deserve to be preserved. They are part of our environment, enhancing our enjoyment of it. They remind us of our heritage and the many fine craftsmen who went before us building convents, gaols, churches, courthouses, barns and castles. I’m delighted to see €100,000 going to Laois in today’s funding announcement.”

Lea Church of Ireland, Killenard gets €50,000

Presentation Convent, Portlaoise gets €50,000

Sean Fleming TD, Minister of State at the Department of Finance welcomed funding of €100,000 for heritage and conservation projects in Co. Laois, which were announced by the Government this morning.

“The owners of these buildings will receive this funding under the Historic Structures Fund 2021. These owners are effectively custodians of these historic and protected structures for future generations.

This funding will also be a boost to people who work in the construction and heritage trades locally, as specialised and skilled work is required on these protected structures/

Overall this is a good announcement for Laois and I look forward to these conservation and repair projects proceeding as soon as practicable.”

Minister of State for Local Government, Peter Burke, TD, also welcomed the announcement, stating: 

‘As with the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, the success of the Historic Structures Fund is a result of the close working relationship between the Department and the Local Authorities, particularly the Architectural Conservation Officers, Heritage Officers and planning and administrative staff who make these schemes possible. I am particularly pleased to note the introduction of a stream for historic shopfronts, investing in our historic townscapes in line with this Government’s commitment of putting Town Centres First.’