merrion street

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan, T.D. today ( Monday 1st April, 2013) announced funding of €475,000 under the Structures at Risk Fund 2013 to assist with works to safeguard structures, in private and civic ownership, protected under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, and in certain cases, works to structures within Architectural Conservation Areas. Typical works to be funded under the scheme include roof repairs, structural consolidation and measures to ensure weather tightness.

This scheme, which has been in operation since 2011, has encouraged regeneration and reuse of heritage properties and helped to secure the preservation of protected structures which may otherwise have been lost. Since 2011 over 70 structures have secured funding to ensure their survival for the future as a result of the SRF scheme.

Commenting on the announcement of funding Minister Deenihan said, “I am pleased in 2013 to continue to be in a position to provide support to individuals and local authorities to enable them to take positive action in respect of their built heritage assets”. The Minister added that “The perception of Ireland by overseas visitors is linked to our built heritage. By continuing to support best practice in the conservation of protected structures, in addition to preserving our built heritage for future generations, we are contributing to the attraction of our country as a tourist destination. We are also contributing to local employment.”

Details of the application procedures can be obtained by contacting the relevant local authority.