Laois historic buildings to get repair works with funding boost

Fifteen historic buildings in Laois are to benefit from restoration works following the announcement of government grants this week.  Over €195,000 has been allocated for the protection of historic buildings in Laois under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2026.

This includes €35,000 for work to roofs, water ingress, and interiors for Newtown House and Mill, Durrow. Timahoe Heritage Centre has received €8,000 for work to its exterior stonework. €8,000 has been set aside for windows and interior works at The Old Barracks, The Green, Clonaslee.

The  Workers Cottage, Ballinakill is set for a  €15,000 boost for work on roofs, interior, rain water disposal and external walls. Donaghmore outbuildings received an allocation of  €14,000 for external walls, interiors and roofs.The Fisherman's Inn, Fisherstown has been given  €5,948 for its thatch roof. 

The Former Goods Shed, Ballacolla Road, Abbeyleix, received  €12,000 for work on external walls and its roof. Gerryvacum House, Ballybrittas was allocated  €8,000 for windows, doors and associated elements. €11,000 for work on floors and interiors has been granted for Jamestown Cross, Ballybrittas.

Left Bank, Shannon Street, Mountrath was allocated  €14,000 from the pot for work on external walls and its roof. Oatlands House, Green Road, Ballyroan will receive  €8,000 for windows, doors and associated elements while the Old National School Vicarstown will get a facelift with €8,000 for windows and interiors. 

Outhouse, Irishtown, Mountmellick has been allocated  €13, 318, St Fintan's Church, Durrow received  €11,000 for external walls and other works and  €5,800 has been set aside for a roof for the Thatch Cottage, Raheenleigh, Cullohill. 

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Announcing the funding on Friday, January 23, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, TD, remarked: “This funding under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme will ensure that the architectural legacy of past generations continues to survive in towns, villages, and rural communities in Laois and across the country.

"The preservation of our built heritage relies on our taking action today to repair, maintain, and secure the integrity of these buildings with the care and attention they deserve. That is why my Department continues to make substantial funding available under this scheme – as well as through other schemes such as the Historic Structures Fund and Community Monuments Fund – thereby helping to renew and protect the fabric of our architectural heritage with each passing year.

"Along with new initiatives such as the revised Living City Initiative, the improved and expanded Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, the Built Heritage Investment Scheme helps to preserve our past while also securing our future by maximising use of existing building stock and helping to prevent or reverse vacancy, dereliction, and underuse.”