€125,490 has been allocated for four historic properties in Laois under the Historic Structures Fund.
The Abbeyleix Old Church will receive €50,000 and this will be used to install of French drain to east and north sides of church, external render, internal plastering and repair marble cladding in sanctuary.
€44,590 is going to Cuffsborough House, Ballacolla. It will be used to refurbish all windows in the house, repair sashes, styles and joints.
Glass replacement, reputtying and repainting will also take place while re-use of existing and replacement of hardware installation of weather seals is included.
€20,000 is going to Midland House, 27 Main Street, Portlaoise for repairs to windows and repairs and painting to façade.
While the Old Forge, Jamestown, Ballybrittas is to receive €10,000 for the reinstatement of roof, windows and doors.
Laois TD Sean Fleming and local Green Party Minister Pippa Hackett welcomed the funding.
Deputy Fleming said: “Historic Structures Fund will invest essential capital in our valuable built heritage and help the owners and custodians of historic structures to safeguard them into the future for the benefit of communities and the public.
“The Projects included in this stream of funding is aimed at essential repairs and smaller capital works for the refurbishment and conservation of heritage structures.
“Ireland has a unique built environment of extraordinary quality – our historic buildings and structures are a vital part of our heritage.
“Many of these are in great need of investment to ensure their preservation and continued use so that they remain a living part of our history and community life into the future.
“I would like to compliment the owners and custodians of these properties and Laois County Council in putting forward these applications to secure funding to ensure the preservation of these historic buildings in County Laois.
“They are key parts of our built heritage and it is important that society preserve these for future generations.
“The trades and skills involved in carrying out work on such historic buildings are very specialised.
“It is important that we keep these skills alive and this Government funding will help ensure there is work for these skilled tradespersons.
“There is a double advantage to this grant scheme in that we are protecting our historic buildings and also maintaining the skills level in this sector.”
While Minister Hackett added: “My colleague, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, TD, has announced heritage projects under this year’s Historic Structures Fund (HSF) to the value of €124,590.
“I particularly want to commend the work of Laois County Council heritage team who put a lot of work into such applications.”
