Electric Picnic house, Laois RIC barracks and boutique seek heritage grants
A dozen applications have been made to the Department of Heritage for grants of up to €200,000 to conserve Laois buildings from a mansion to a thatched cottage.
Eight are under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme for Newtown Mill in Durrow, Portrane House Portlaoise, Preston House Boutique in Abbeyleix, RIC Barracks Clonaslee, Fisherman's Inn, a thatched house in Rathmakelly, Cuffsborough House Ballacolla and Former Goods Shed Abbeyleix.
The Built Heritage Investment Scheme is designed to support owners and custodians in caring for the built heritage in Laois, and ensuring that it is protected into the future.
Five more applicants seek Historic Structures Fund grants.
Laois County Council is applying for Donaghmore workhouse, while the owners of Stradbally Hall, the Roundwood House hotel, Dooary and the committee of the old Vicarstown School also seek grants, with grants from €15,000 to €200,000 available to protect and conserve the heritage buildings of Laois.
The Historic Structures Fund focuses on conservation and enhancement of historic structures and buildings for the benefit of communities and the public. The grant requires that an appropriately qualified conservation professional must oversee the works.
Another seven applications were made to the department under the community Monuments fund.
The update on conservations grants was given at the February meeting of Laois County Council.