Kildare South Fine Gael TD and Minister Martin Heydon has welcomed confirmation of funding of €139,734 for 18 Built Heritage projects across County Kildare. The allocation also incudes €13,334 for conservation repairs to 6 thatched structures in Co. Kildare and is part of a total €4.5m allocation under this year’s Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS).
Minister Heydon said, “Today’s allocation represents a significant investment in our built heritage, which will provide much-needed support to owners and custodians of historic and protected structures across Kildare. This funding will enable necessary works to be completed, ensuring the preservation of these structures for the benefit of future generations.
“The BHIS is one of two built heritage funding schemes run by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in association with the 31 Local Authorities. The scheme assists owners of heritage structures – including those on the local authorities’ Record of Protected Structures and those in Architectural Conservation Areas – to meet their obligations to care for their properties by providing match-funded grants of up to €15,000 for standard projects (not involving thatch).
“The funding confirmed today includes a €12,000 allocation to Ballitore Library and quaker museum, Mary Leadbetter House in Ballitore. This is a great example of a community getting best use out of a prominent historic building, while also protecting and preserving its prized historic heritage structure.
“As an advocate for the preservation of our cultural heritage, I have always emphasized the importance of supporting our communities and individual owners in their efforts to repair, preserve, and restore our built heritage in Kildare. This investment is a testament to our government’s commitment to safeguarding and protecting our built environment, with a 12.5% increase in funding compared to the previous year.
“Funding under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme is also a boost for local economies as this will not only help maintain our built heritage but will also create economic benefits by generating jobs, including those in those specialist sectors providing employment for heritage contractors and tradespeople. I look forward to seeing how this funding will benefit communities in Kildare through the new and exciting conservation projects which will be undertaken in the coming year”, concluded Minister Heydon.