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The  Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, TD, today announced funding of €1m for 52 built heritage projects under the July Jobs Stimulus package. 

The funding will supplement 28 projects already approved under the Department’s existing Built Heritage Grants as well as 13 new projects categorised as urgent built heritage works. The funding will also support one project under priority actions identified in the Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan for the Built and Archaeological Heritage, and will assist with the progression of 10 projects with a climate change element at properties managed by the Irish Heritage Trust.

The July Jobs Stimulus Package 2020 aims to offset some of the effects of Covid-19 by revitalising the economy, providing protection for small businesses and getting people back to work. It is anticipated that this funding for built heritage projects will create approximately 5,600 days’ employment for skilled built heritage contractors.

Speaking today, Minister Noonan said

“I am delighted to announce this investment of €1m as part of the July Jobs Stimulus Package to support those working to care for our built heritage.  The funding will ensure the completion of projects funded through the existing built heritage funding schemes, help prevent the deterioration of some of our valuable structures in urgent need of stabilisation and repair, as well as progress actions under the Climate Change Action Plan in relation to the built heritage estate.  It will also ensure completion of projects interrupted by the Covid-19 lockdown while helping create employment for the many small businesses, skilled conservation specialists and tradespeople involved in heritage-related construction activity. “

Amongst the projects awarded funding are works to create additional space to allow for increased physical distancing at Lough Cutra School in Co. Galway and the structural stabilisation of the old Barnagh Railway Station in Co. Limerick which, once works are complete, will become a tourism hub at the highest point of the Great Southern Greenway between Limerick and Kerry.  Funding is also being provided to the Irish Heritage Trust to complete essential capital works and to the Heritage Council to support conservation works at Áras na hOidhreachta, Kilkenny.

A full list of projects funded can be found on the Department’s website and on local authority websites.

Minister Noonan continued: “I would like to thank the local authorities for administering this additional funding and for their ongoing assistance in administering the built heritage schemes. I would also like to acknowledge the dedication of private owners and their willingness to invest their time and money in caring for our built heritage. I am delighted to be able to continue investing in our built heritage, particularly during such challenging times as these.”

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Projects awarded funding

JULY JOBS STIMULUS PACKAGE                                                                                                                                                                           Additional projects supported by this funding

• €48,408 to the Heritage Council to support conservation works at Áras na hOidhreachta, Kilkenny, under priority actions identified in  the Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan for the Built and Archaeological Heritage

• €199,000 to progress capital works with a climate change element and to provide labour market support at the Irish Heritage Trust’s properties at Fota House, Co. Cork, Strokestown House, Co. Roscommon and Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford.