Clare is set to receive up to €60,000 in funding for the conservation and repair of protected structures across the county, Fine Gael TD Joe Carey has confirmed.
The funding has been granted to Clare County Council under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) for 2019 and is part of a €4.3 million programme of support for more than 500 heritage projects across the country.
“The Clare allocation represents a 20 per cent increase on the funding for the current year. Additional funding for projects under the Historic Structures Fund will be announced after assessments have taken place,” Deputy Carey explained.
“Both schemes are open for applications until the end of January and I strongly encourage all relevant authorities to apply.
“This funding will allow for the conservation and repair of protected structures across the county. These buildings and structures are important to our heritage so that maintaining and repairing them is a crucial part of the regeneration of our communities.
“The funding is also very important in terms of developing our tourism offering and helping to attract visitors to Clare, with all the benefits that can bring”, he added.
“The Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Historic Structures Fund will support the owners and custodians of protected structures in every local authority area across the country as they carry out hundreds of small-scale, labour-intensive projects to repair and conserve our historic built environment. The projects will also provide vital support for local jobs in conservation, traditional skills and construction.
“As well as supporting people who are working to care for and restore our historic buildings, these grants will help to regenerate towns and rural areas and will come as a welcome boost to those working so hard to look after our heritage properties,” Deputy Carey concluded.
