Junior Minister Pippa Hackett

Seven Offaly structures to share €335k funding

Minister of State Laois/Offaly Senator Pippa Hackett has welcomed funding of some €335,000 for the preservation of a number of historic structures in Offaly.

Seven structures in the county are to benefit from funding announced by the Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan.

Some 85 heritage projects right across the country will benefit from a total of €3m under this year’s Historic Structures Fund (HSF).

The largest allocation in Offaly goes to the Presentation Convent, Tullamore Road, Portarlington, which is to receive €80,000 over two years.

€50,000 has been allocated for work on each of Fort Eliza, Banagher, Emmell Castle, Cloughjordan, Birr and Woodfield Barn, Tullanisk,

There's an allocation of €30,000 for the Kinnitty Suspension Bridge and €25,000 for Tullamore Gaol and Salt Mills.

Senator Hackett said: “Our historic buildings deserve to be preserved. They are part of our environment, enhancing our enjoyment of it. They remind us of our heritage and the many fine craftsmen who went before us building convents, gaols, churches, courthouses, barns and castles. I’m delighted to see €335,000 going to Offaly in today’s funding announcement.”

Announcing the funding , Minister Noonan said: “I am delighted to announce another €3m investment in our built heritage. This year’s Historic Structures Fund will assist 85 owners and custodians of historic and protected structures across the country as they carry out a range of conservation projects to repair and safeguard our built heritage and supporting local employment of skilled conservation workers and tradespeople.”

In addition to supporting owners and custodians of historic and protected structures to safeguard and maintain their properties, this funding will also provide a welcome boost to local construction and heritage trades by facilitating works with a total value of almost €9m and leveraging an estimated 13,000 days’ labour.

The announcement follows that of €3m in funding under the Department’s other built heritage grant scheme, the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, by Minister Noonan earlier this month and comes as the phased return of construction works gets underway. All funded works under both schemes must, of course, be carried out in full compliance with Government/HSE guidance on Covid-19.