MINISTER for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys has confirmed 10 Clare heritage projects will benefit under the Built Heritage Jobs Leverage Scheme 2016.
Overall, 340 heritage projects nationwide will share in a €2 million investment package as part of the Built Heritage Investment Scheme for 2016.
The funding will allow for the conservation and repair of heritage buildings across the country, and the scheme follows a similar model to the Built Heritage Jobs Leverage Scheme, which proved to be very successful in 2014. It is expected this new scheme will leverage an additional €8 million in private funds and will generate significant employment in the conservation and construction industries.
The Clare allocation has been given a broad welcome by Fine Gael Deputy Pat Breen.
“The work to be undertaken ranges from structural and roof repairs to window conservation/protection and masonary stabilisation. I would also like to compliment Clare County Council who has responsibility for administrating this scheme for embracing the initiative,” he said.
The projects to benefit range from €10,000 for repairs to Iverstown House, The Square, Sixmilebridge, €5,000 for Vigo Lodge in Kilnaboy, €5,000 for the Abbey Tavern in Quin, €6,000 for Besborough House Killimer, 5,500 for Drewsborough House,Tuamgraney, €5,000 for Newgrove Gates, Newgrove, Tulla, €5,000 for Cratloekeel Castle in Cratloe, €2,500 for Ballintlea Mill in Sixmilebridge and €5,000 for Manus House in Clarecastle.
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.