The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 sets out a roadmap for Ireland’s transition to a climate resilient, biodiversity rich and climate neutral economy by no later than the end of the year 2050. This shift to a climate neutral future means that the conservation and repurposing of existing historic building stock has become increasingly more important. Existing buildings contain embodied energy, which is lost if they are demolished; while the greenhouse-gas emissions involved in the demolition and replacement of a building have been calculated to take decades to recover.
The sustainable use of the historic buildings of our towns has added benefits in increasing the quality of life for all by offering reduced commuting as these buildings are generally closer to amenities and services. More directly the impacts of climate change on our built heritage are increasingly evident and should be taken into account in any proposals under the HTI. These impacts may be both immediate and cumulative – so that damage from catastrophic events such as floods and storms are likely to increase at the same time as the slow-onset of changes in deterioration processes.
The HTI has been in operation since 2018 and to date has supported heritage-led regeneration projects in the following towns: Youghal, Bantry, Midleton, Passage West and Macroom and Castletownbere, Co Cork; Kells, Navan and Duleek, Co Meath; Carrick on Suir, Nenagh and Tipperary town, Co Tipperary; Portlaoise, Co Laois; Kilmallock, Co Limerick; Ballina and Ballinrobe, Co Mayo; Roscommon town, Strokestown and Boyle, Co Roscommon; Lisdoonvarna and Kilrush, Co Clare; Callan, Co Kilkenny; Ballymote and Sligo town, Co Sligo; Letterkenny, Ramelton, Raphoe, Glenties, and Ballyshannon, Co Donegal; Clones and Monaghan town, Co Monaghan; Lismore and Tramore, Co Waterford; Listowel, Tralee and Castleisland, Co Kerry; Enniscorthy and Wexford town, Co Wexford; Birr, Co Offaly; Naas, Co Kildare; Carlow town, Co Carlow; Greystones, Co Wicklow.
View how funding through the HTI has benefited Cathedral Quarter, Letterkenny in the video below.
