€100,000 for fixes on historic Laois buildings

A total of €107,100 has been allocated for works to be carried out on four historic buildings in  Laois.

The Historic Structures fund of the Department of Heritage scheme is administered by the Department of Heritage in consultation with Laois County Council.

The four structures that have been allocated funding are as follows:

• Donaghmore Workhouse and Agricultural Museum - €37,500 for roof repairs.
• Roundwood House, Mountrath - €37,000 for repairs to roof and chimney stacks.
• Vicarstown National School - €22,600 for removal of cement external render, replace with a lime-based render and limewash and repairs to brickwork where necessary.
• Vernacular Residence, Dooary, Ballyroan - €10,000 for to remove cement render and replace with appropriate lime-based render on external walls.

The money was welcomed in Laois by Ministers of State Seán Fleming and Pippa Hackett.

"The purpose of historical structural funds is to invest capital in our built heritage and to help the owners of these structures to safeguard them into the future for the benefit of communities and the public," said Minister Hackett.

"These buildings are not in public ownership and it is important that there is support to ensure these historic buldings are maintained for future generations.

"This is a welcome funding stream provided by the Govenrment each year to help maintain historic structures throughout the country that otherwise would deteriorate.

"It is important that we protect the historic architectural features in these properties which can only be done with investment from the owners supported by additional funding by the Government in consultation with the local authorities," he said.

Minister Hackett was also pleased.

"These projects not only help to conserve our built heritage, but they add value to our quality of life, our tourism offering, and keep traditional skills alive. I’m also delighted to welcome the vernacular stream to this funding also, which recognises the value of buildings important for their local origin and design, using traditional materials and resources from the area. Vernacular projects in Rahan in Offaly, and Ballyroan in Laois are funded on this occasion,” he said.

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The primary focus of the Historic Structures Fund will be on the conservation and enhancement of historic structures and buildings for the broader benefit of communities and the public.

Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, announced that 95 heritage projects across the country will benefit from a total of €4.5m under this year’s Historic Structures Fund.