St Flannan's Cathedral and more historic Clare projects granted over €250k in funding
Historic building and projects across Clare have been awarded grants for 2024 under the Historic Structures Fund and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme
The Minister of State with responsibility for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan has announced a total of €9 million in financial support for 676 heritage projects across every county under the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) for 2024.
Both schemes support the conservation of historic buildings for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations and are managed jointly by the National Built Heritage Service (NBHS) in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and a network of conservation staff in the 31 local authorities, including expert Architectural Conservation Officers.
The schemes fund a variety of repairs and renovation works to prevent deterioration, protect character, and encourage the re-use of protected structures. The schemes also provide important support for the employment of traditional craftspeople and conservation professionals.
The Historic Structures Fund (HSF)provides grants of between €15,000 and €200,000 to support major conservation works to significant historic buildings.
Projects receiving funding under the HSF in county Clare this year include €153,409 for St. Flannan’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, Killaloe.
The funding will go towards ongoing work to prevent water ingress to this unique early 13th century church in Killaloe, with repairs to the central tower, cast iron windows, parapets and rainwater goods funded under the HSF in 2021 and 2022.
Phase 3 will see significant repairs to the west gable, the stained glass lancet window, and the buttresses of the north and south walls, to prevent serious damage from water ingress.
Clare TD Cathal Crowe (Fianna Fáil) welcomed the funding announcement: "I have been working in conjunction with Cllr Tony O’Brien with the Select Vestry at Killaloe for several years now to support their restoration work at this vert special 13th century building."
Also receiving funding under the HSF is Lime Kiln, Ennis, who were awarded €10,000 for the repair and restoration of historic vernacular structure forming part of Kilnaboy Geopark Heritage Trail for Tourists to the Burren National Park Region.
The Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) provides grants of up to €15,000 for maintenance and smaller conservation works to help prevent historic buildings from falling into disrepair and possible disuse.
In recognition of the particular challenges in caring for thatched properties, the scheme also includes ring-fenced funding for historic thatched buildings, with a maximum grant of €20,000.
Projects in Clare are set to receive grants totalling €96,000, with ring-fenced funding of €12,837 for historic thatched buildings in Killaloe and Boston.
Announcing the awards, Minister Noonan said; "My Department’s two grant programmes – the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Historic Structures Fund – support the owners and custodians of our nation's historic structures to conserve and protect them, helping to revitalise historic town centres and ensure their unique character is preserved for future generations."
"The level of funding available highlights the Government's ongoing commitment to the built heritage that communities know and love. These schemes also provide valuable work for the many traditional craft and tradespeople across Ireland, helping to keep these unique skills alive.”
A full breakdown of the awards being granted under the 2024 HSF and BHIS schemes is available at www.gov.ie/2024-bhis-and-hsf-grants/