Five Longford projects receive almost €70,000

Five Longford projects are set to receive almost €70,000 in funding under this year’s Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS).

Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, announced on Thursday, March 9 that 556 heritage projects across the country will benefit from a total of €4.5m.
This year’s BHIS includes awards to local historic structures;

€15,000 to Frances' Cottage, 44th Lockhouse Ballyclare, in Killashee, for roof repair, structures & coverings including leadwork;
€11,112 to St Michael’s, Ard Michael, Ballinalee Road, Longford town for rainwater goods repair/replacement and mitigation of damp;

€12,915 to the old post office in Ardagh, for draught-proofing of windows, doors and other openings;
€15,000 to Cloghan Mills, Shrule; for stabilisation of masonry;
€15,000 to 1 New Street, Longford for draught-proofing of windows, doors and other openings.
The BHIS is one of two built heritage funding schemes run by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in association with the 31 Local Authorities.

The scheme assists owners of heritage structures – including those on the local authorities’ Record of Protected Structures and those in Architectural Conservation Areas – to meet their obligations to care for their properties by providing match-funded grants of up to €15,000 for standard projects (not involving thatch).

The scheme is not limited to private dwellings but also provides assistance to a wide range of other important heritage structures.