Heritage budget cutbacks will affect historic buildings

THE 77% budget cut for the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government’s Heritage Unit is likely to be felt in rural areas through cessation of grant aid for looking after historic buildings and thatched houses.

Skills such as heritage architecture thatching could be hit.

Community-based heritage organisations all over Ireland, such as the Burrenbeo Trust in Co Clare, have spoken out against the swingeing cuts.