Funding for Community Built Heritage Projects

Clare Heritage Forum has launched a Community Built Heritage Animator Programme that will support local community groups applying for LEADER funding for projects that upgrade buildings and structures of heritage value in their local area.

Amongst the groups who have been granted previous LEADER grants under the Conservation and Upgrading of the Built Heritage are Kilkee Sports Historical Committee, Kilkee Civic Trust, Doonbeg Community Development Ltd, Irish Whale and Dolphin Group and Killimer Parish Hall Development Committee.

The Animator Programme will run until autumn 2013 and kicks off with a series of seminars that will help communities identify projects and explore the technical and funding aspects of conservation works.

The Stella Maris Hotel in Kilkee will host the West Clare seminar next Tuesday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.
Dick Cronin, architectural conservation officer with Clare County Council, is inviting local groups to the seminars or to get in touch to explore the potential of projects in their communities,

“Clare Heritage Forum, Clare County Council and local communities have been working together for many years to identify, preserve and promote the county’s rich built heritage. Right now, there is a great opportunity for community groups to conserve and enhance this heritage with LEADER funding from Clare Local Development Company. We are looking for groups to propose projects and we will assist them with technical expertise in applying for LEADER heritage grants,” he explained.

The Animator Programme is being operated by Leahy Conway Architects, who have widespread experience in the preservation and conservation of heritage structures. Conservation architect Paul Conway is encouraging groups to consider all types of structures in their area,

“It may be a flagship building but equally it may simply be the clearance of ivy in an old church or graveyard. Other examples include gate piers, mausolea, village pumps, old castles, lime kilns, follies and so on. There are many places in your community where the past lives but which could benefit from a heritage grant,” he said. Further information is available from 087 2502550.