€104,000 in funding has been allocated for Kildare County projects under the Historic Structures Fund and Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2019, according to Martin Heydon Fine Gael TD for Kildare South and Chairman of the Parliamentary Party.
A total of 478 heritage projects across every county in the country will benefit from a combined €4.3m under this year’s Historic Structures Fund (HSF) and Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS).
Deputy Heydon said: “The funding, which is provided by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and administered by Kildare County Council is a really welcome boost for the built heritage of Kildare.
“The grants will support the owners and custodians of historic and protected structures as they carry out hundreds of small-scale, labour-intensive projects to repair and conserve our historic built environment.
“As well as preserving our local heritage which is so important in terms of regeneration of our communities, these projects also give a great boost for local jobs in conservation, traditional skills and construction.
“These schemes are funded invest in hundreds of projects each year in urban and rural areas the country. This year, the grants range from €2,500 to €200,000 per project and will be used for the conservation and renovation of all kinds of historic structures, from thatched cottages to bridges and mills, a 12th-century leper hospital, historic shop fronts cathedrals, castles and libraries.” Deputy Heydon concluded.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Madigan said: “I am delighted to announce these grant awards which will support the owners and custodians of our historic built environment. Our built heritage is at the historic heart of our communities. It stands sentinel to our past and, when cared for, inspiration to our future. Investing in our heritage buildings is good for the individual properties concerned, and it also provides a real boost to local communities and supports jobs in traditional building skills, conservation and tourism. It instils civic and community pride and invigorates by renewing our past.
“Today’s investment will play an important role in helping communities to regenerate the areas where they live and work, and ensuring that this important part of our cultural heritage is kept alive and safe as part of our generation’s legacy for the future.
“I would like to thank the local authorities for their work in administering the Historic Structures Fund and Built Heritage Investment Scheme, which have such a positive impact on protected structures across the country. I would also like to acknowledge the response of private owners and their willingness to invest their time and money in caring for our built heritage.”