New funding announced for historic buildings

Almost €20m is to be spent this year on the upkeep of some of the country's most historic buildings, it was revealed today.

The Built Heritage scheme, approved by Minister for the Environment Dick Roche, will ensure medieval castles and town walls, abbeys, stately homes and churches are preserved.

It is hoped the conservation will help develop them as major tourist attractions.

Mr Roche said the money was an excellent investment.

"Regeneration of our historic buildings often acts as a catalyst for further heritage projects in an area and makes our towns and villages more attractive to tourists and locals alike," he said.

Among the buildings getting a slice of the grants are the renowned Russborough House in Blessington, which secured €450,000 for work to the roof and masonry repairs.

Russborough is one of three homes in private hands which the Government has agreed to fund, the others are Westport House and Headfort House.

Nenagh Castle, which dates back to the 1200s, is getting €750,000 to enable work to continue on the €3m visitor centre while Durrow Abbey in Co Offaly, the sixth Century monastery founded by St Columcille, is to get €750,000, also for a visitor centre.

The 18th Century Fota House in Co Cork has been given €1m for extensive refurbishment.

The Built Heritage scheme this year for the first time earmarks €2m to preserve medieval town walls right across the island.

Carlingford, Co Down and Carrickfergus, Co Antrim will benefit from the new initiative with the money provided through the Heritage Council.

Other towns being funded include Athenry, Athlone, Cashel, Clonmel, Cork City, Drogheda, Dublin, Fethard, Galway, Kilkenny, Kilmallock, Limerick, Trim, Waterford, Wexford, and Youghal.

It is hoped extensive conservation works will help towns develop and promote their medieval walls with the same success that Derry City has.

"An increasing value is being put on the heritage of Medieval Walled Towns across Europe," Mr Roche said.

"Walled Towns are also a very significant tourist attraction and contribute considerably to the towns that are fortunate enough to have such iconic features."

A number of projects at premier heritage sites are also being funded. St Enda's Pearse Museum in Rathfarnham, Dublin has been awarded almost €3m for a visitor centre and renewed exhibition; the National Botanic Gardens get €250,000; Phoenix Park including the gate lodges gets €900,000.

"These projects apply the highest standards in conservation and it is correct that the state should set the example in this regard," Mr Roche.

Local Authorities are also being given €6m for work on lesser buildings like thatched houses, shop and pub fronts, rectories, gate lodges, community halls and churches.

Mr Roche also revealed he was providing additional funding of €1.1m for local authorities to recruit more conservation officers.