Leitrim’s historic buildings to benefit with over €110,000 in heritage funding

Over €110,000 in funding has been announced for the protection of historic buildings in Leitrim under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS).

The Leitrim buildings receiving funding are Glenade Cottage, Carrigallen Church of Ireland, St Mary’s Church, Gortletteragh, and St John’s Church, Drumshanbo.

Of the €113,509 allocated, €5,000 will be allocated to Glenade Cottage, Keelogues, Kinlough Thatch, €47,177.83 will go towards roof works at Carrigallen Church of Ireland, €47,177.82 for roof works at St Mary’s Church, and €14,153.35 for window repairs at St John’s Church.

The announcement was made today by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD.

The Built Heritage Investment Scheme supports the repair, restoration and protection of historic structures, ranging from traditional homes to landmark public buildings across Ireland’s cities, towns, villages and rural communities. The scheme covers essential restoration works, including roof and wall repairs, as well as works to windows and doors.

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The funding is provided by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s National Built Heritage Service and is administered by local authorities.

Announcing the funding, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, said: “This funding under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme will ensure that the architectural legacy of past generations continues to survive in towns, villages, and rural communities in Leitrim and across the country. 

“The preservation of our built heritage relies on our taking action today to repair, maintain, and secure the integrity of these buildings with the care and attention they deserve.”

Minister of State Christopher O’Sullivan TD said the funding is supporting traditional craftspeople in Leitrim whose specialist skills “turn history into homes, community hubs and businesses.”

“Built heritage in Ireland isn’t just about great houses and magnificent public structures. Often, the architectural jewel in our towns and villages is a historic building where people meet, live or work,” he said.

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The full list of projects can be found on the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage website.

Sligo-Leitrim TD Minister of State Frank Feighan welcomed the funding announcement. “I want to thank the heritage officer and her team at Leitrim Co Council for submitting the successful applications and to the committees who of course must now raise the match funding.

“It is terrific to see these older buildings, rich in history and built heritage coming back to life, representing an effective partnership between the State, individuals and communities around the country,” concluded Minister Feighan.

€8.1 million has been awarded nationally through the Built Heritage Investment Scheme. Of this total, almost €1.1 million has been earmarked for works to thatched buildings, made up of almost €600,000 from the dedicated Historic Thatched Buildings stream, plus an additional €490,000 from the mainstream BHIS funding.

In addition to the public funding provided under BHIS, an estimated €35 million in private funds will also be committed to these projects by owners and custodians.

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