Historic Laois buildings and streetscapes get welcome funding boost

Historic buildings and streetscapes in Laois have been given a €185,000 boost under a national heritage scheme. 

A total of 13 historic projects located throughout Laois were awarded funding under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme. 

Beneficiaries include the Timahoe Heritage Centre, the Parochial Hall in Portarlington and Abbeyleix main street. 

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage, and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, announced €8.1 million for a the list of over 650 projects nationwide, with €185,066 going to 13 projects in Laois.

The scheme supports property owners to conserve and enhance our historic buildings and streetscapes, and at the same time preserve and develop traditional building skills. This year’s grants will be used to repair, restore, and protect historic structures from modest traditional homes to landmark public buildings. 

Examples of the larger funding allocations in Laois include:€24,338 for the Old National School, Vicarstown,  €21,500 for Timahoe Heritage Centre, €20,000 for Newtown Mill, Durrow,  €20,000 for Buhala, Conboro Road, Rathdowney and €15,000 for Oatlands House, Green Road, Ballyroan, Portlaoise  A total of €10,371 in thatch funding is being awarded to Laois.

Minister O’Sullivan said: “In keeping with the commitment outlined in our newly ratified Programme for Government to cherish and protect our heritage as a vital national asset, I am pleased to announce today the projects which will receive funding under this year’s Built Heritage Investment Scheme.

“Ireland’s built heritage is a national asset which enriches our countryside, villages, towns, and cities. In maintaining and caring for our historic buildings, owners and custodians perform a valuable public service, and I am delighted to be able to support their efforts. 

“Alongside related initiatives such as the Historic Structures Fund, Community Monuments Fund, and the THRIVE scheme, this vital funding will help to ensure the survival of Ireland’s shared architectural inheritance for future generations.”

Minister for Housing, Local Government, and Heritage, James Browne, welcomed the funding. 

“I am proud of the part the BHIS plays in protecting and enhancing the historic fabric and character of our streetscapes and countryside.

When combined with existing and new initiatives to revitalise our town centres and bring vacant and derelict properties back into use, the BHIS and other conservation schemes will help ensure that our historic buildings can continue to serve as fine homes at the heart of our communities for many years to come,” he said. 

The full list of projects which will receive funding can be found here: https://bit.ly/4gEr81N