Minister Noonan announces significant funding for built heritage projects in Carlow

Over €100,000 has been awarded to built heritage projects in Carlow under this year's Historic Structures Fund (HSF). 

On Tuesday (March 28) the Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD announced that 95 heritage projects across the country will benefit from a total of €4.5m under the fund, with two in Carlow set to benefit. 

The HSF is one of two built heritage funding schemes which work in partnership with owners and the 31 local authorities to protect Ireland's built heritage. 

Ninety three thousand euro has been allocated to Tullow Courthouse on Barrack Street to assist with roof repair, including new covering over previously patched asphalt, new lead flashings, chimney weathering and repair of rainwater goods.

The money will also go towards conservation of external joinery, and a soft clean of granite details in architraves, plinth, string courses, copings and pediment. 

Forty thousand euro has been allocated to Sherwood Park House in Ballon to help deal with water ingress from west gable, examine for timber decay, repair weather slating from impact damage, repair internal plaster damaged by water, and repair all defective windows on front elevation. 

In addition to supporting owners and custodians of historic and protected structures to safeguard and maintain their properties, the funding will also provide a boost to local construction and heritage trades. 

Speaking today, Minister Noonan said, "I am delighted to announce another €4.5m investment in our built heritage. This year’s Historic Structures Fund will assist 95 owners and custodians of historic and protected structures across the country as they carry out hundreds of conservation projects to repair and safeguard our built heritage.

"I am particularly pleased to announce the increased number of awards made to vernacular structures. Through this investment, this Government continues to celebrate the value and diversity of our built heritage, while also supporting traditional building skills. These actions also continue to help us deliver on our commitments to built heritage under Heritage Ireland 2030, the national heritage plan which I launched last year."