€1.22m funding to boost local economies and address vacancy in 8 historic towns

The funding will help to provide jobs through heritage-led regeneration, will aid the rebuilding of local economies and address vacancy with heritage as the consistent focal point.

A joint initiative between the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Heritage Council, this year’s scheme follows on from highly successful projects during 2018 to 2023. The HTI seeks proposals that encourage the specific re-use of historic buildings with works on this year’s projects to be completed before the end of the year.

Funding is recommended towards four conservation projects in the following towns:

• Ballina, Co Mayo
• Midleton, Co Cork
• Glenties, Co Donegal
• Birr, Co Offaly

Meanwhile, there are plans to aid heritage-led regeneration in the following towns:

• Passage West, Co Cork
• Monaghan town, Co Monaghan
• Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare
• Strokestown, Co Roscommon

Further details on these projects are available in the Notes to Editors below. *

Commenting, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD said:

“I am heartened every year to see how successfully the HTI scheme breathes new life into some of the forgotten spaces in our historic town centres, transforming them into vibrant hubs for creativity, for living, and preserving our historic structures for future generations. These supports are yet another example of the huge strides made towards achieving our Heritage Ireland 2030 targets and we will continue to ensure local authorities have the resources they need to address vacancy and dereliction while also preserving our rich architectural heritage.”

Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, Virginia Teehan commented:

“Although this scheme plays a huge part in the restoration of our historic buildings, it also contributes to community engagement and economic growth by attracting visitors and sustaining businesses. By repurposing historic structures for residential, artistic, and cultural use, we're not only conserving our past but creating a brighter future for towns across the nation. It's a win-win for preservation and prosperity.”

ENDS

Note to Editors:

Project details and awards 2024:

Ballina: This project will assist owners in the repair of historic structures in the Pearse Steet Architectural Conservation Area (ACA), to address vacancy and to enable residential and community use. Essential repair and installation of rainwater goods, window and door conservation and restoration, and painting are proposed for 2024. This builds upon similar work in Pearse Street funded through the HTI in 2019-2020. €240,000

Midleton: This project is about conservation and preservation of Midleton Library and aims to help sustain this landmark building in the town. Works will take place to the roof, windows and external fabric of this eighteenth century former Market House. €350,000

Glenties: This funding will enable the conservation and re-use of historic buildings in Glenties. The works aims to enable sustainable heritage-led regeneration and promote cultural tourism associated with Brian Friel and Glenties. The project involves conservation focused works to the former Courthouse, St. Conall's Church, St. Connell's Museum and the Laurels house. €350,000

Birr: The funding to the former Courthouse in 2024 will enable a local authority Part 8 application for the re-use of this building as a community arts centre. It is hoped this will also facilitate a future application for a larger funding package under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) to complete the restoration of this significant building. €80,000

In addition, funding has been awarded to the relevant local authorities for four heritage-led regeneration plans. It is hoped that such plans will inform future applications for conservation funding in:

Passage West: This plan aims to improve the appearance of Passage West and bring derelict buildings back into use in this heritage rich town in Cork Harbour. €50,000

Monaghan town: This plan will provide a framework for sustainable liveability, ensuring natural and built environment assets are best utilised and will engage active community participation in its development.€50,000

Lisdoonvarna: This HTI project seeks to revitalize the town's unique spa heritage by carrying out detailed architectural and conservation assessments of the historic spa buildings and aims to develop an enticing destination in partnership with the local community. €50,000

Strokestown: This funding will enable a heritage led regeneration plan for Strokestown. It will be conservation architect-led and will recommend key actions to regenerate the built heritage assets and to strengthen linkages with Strokestown House and estate. €50,000

Further details on the Historic Towns Initiative