The Heritage Council has today announced funding for a number of heritage projects in Co Donegal under its 2016 Community-based Heritage Grants Scheme.
A total of 171 heritage projects nationwide have been awarded funding under the scheme, which supports the continuing conservation and development of Irish heritage through local community based groups.
Funding of €800,000 has been provided through the Heritage Council and the Department Regional Development, Rural Affairs, Arts and the Gaeltacht and almost 400 projects across the country applied for funding.
From conserving thatch to red grouse, to the cabin where Shackleton spent his last hours, protecting sensitive archives and so much more.
An example of the projects that have received funding in County Donegal include:
Conservation project for St Catherine’s Church in Killybegs. Applicant: Killybegs History and Heritage Committee. Amount awarded: €7,000.
Conservation of the ruins of Kilbarron Castle. Applicant: Kilbarron Castle Conservation Group. Amount awarded: €7,000.
Conservation plan for Church Lane Street in Letterkenny. Applicant: Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter Company Ltd. Amount awarded: €6,000.
Phase 1 Repair Works to the tower and west gable at St. Columba’s Church. Applicant: St. Columba’s Straid Conservation Group. Amount awarded: €10,000.
Conor Newman, Heritage Council Chairman, commented, “These diverse projects reflect our cultural identity and distinctiveness as a people. If properly resourced they have the potential to give back to the community and to the country for generations to come. They are a hugely popular initiative, and while we weren’t able to support all of the projects which applied, I am very pleased that so many projects will benefit. These projects keep threatened aspects of our heritage alive and provide people with an opportunity to be directly involved in developing the future of their places. Many of the projects reflect years of ongoing work at community level to protect our heritage for the future”.
Minister for Regional Development, Rural Affairs, Arts and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys said, “This targeted grants scheme is supported on a continued financial basis by my Department and has a very positive impact on a wide range of projects and people in both rural and urban Ireland. Among the projects which will benefit this year are churches, natural habitats, such as beaches and woodlands, local graveyards and numerous heritage buildings.
“Schemes such as this one help to conserve our heritage, support the local economy, boost tourism and make our country a better place in which to live and work. By continuing to invest in our heritage, we can show that historic buildings and places are not only an intrinsic part of Ireland’s heritage, but can also provide a real boost to job creation in the construction, conservation and tourism sectors.”
