Home » News » Birr Courthouse has been awarded funding of €200k for conservation works under the Historic Towns Initiative 2021.
Birr Courthouse has been awarded funding of €200k for conservation works under the Historic Towns Initiative 2021.
Published: 4th March 2021
A heritage-led €1.5m fund will provide a jobs boost and an economic stimulus for 10 towns around Ireland. The Heritage Council, along with Minister Darragh O'Brien TD and Minister of State Malcolm Noonan TD, today announced a list of nominated towns that will share the €1.5m fund
Speaking today, Minister O'Brien said: "Firstly, as many people know, I am committed to the heritage-led regeneration of our towns and villages, so I am truly delighted to congratulate the 10 successful towns that will benefit from the Historic Towns Initiative 2021.
"We remain in unprecedented times and our communities have been confronted with challenges and hardships that are both unique and extraordinary. In keeping with the Government commitment to a Town Centre First policy, my hope is that these heritage-led regeneration projects will bring economic benefits to our historic towns, thereby helping them to prosper once again."
Adding to Minister O'Brien's comments, Minister of State Noonan said: "We wish to put built, cultural and natural heritage at the front of both Government policy and the recovery of the country and so I look forward to working with the Heritage Council on similar initiatives over the coming months and years. Heritage Ireland 2030, the new national heritage plan, which will be published later this spring, will further ensure that our heritage is at the heart of policy across Government."
Mr Michael Parsons, Heritage Council chairman, added: "It is wonderful to be in a position to support such a range of projects across the country. These projects, taken together, give a flavour of the variety of heritage initiatives that can be undertaken to care for Ireland's historic towns. The Heritage Council is delighted that the Minister has continued to support this joint initiative. I hope that the success of this year's round of projects will inspire others to care for the heritage of their towns in future years."
Birr, Co Offaly
This project will carry out works to conserve the building envelope of the nineteenth century Birr courthouse, which is a Protected Structure, by focusing on the roof, windows and render. This is with a view to its re-use as a community arts hub. €200,000.
Read the full Heritage Council article here:
https://www.heritagecouncil.ie/news/news-features/record-1-5m-heritage-fund-to-boost-jobs-and-economy