Heritage projects in Westmeath are to benefit from €112,410 in funding by way of the Structures at Risk Fund & the Built Heritage Investment Scheme.
This funding is part of an announcement by Minister Heather Humphreys of €4.8 million for 569 heritage projects across the country. Through the fund, Westmeath will receive €52,000. Locally, this includes €23,000 for Moate Gaol.
The funding has been welcomed by Fine Gael Deputy for Longford-Westmeath, Peter Burke.
“This funding will allow for the conservation and repair of protected structures across Westmeath,” he said. “These buildings and structures are so important to our heritage and identity as a county, and 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 Westmeath with all the benefits that can bring. I am happy that the Minister has allocated this significant amount to Westmeath as the money will go to protecting our key buildings.”
The news has also been welcomed by Independent Deputy, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran.
“Ireland’s heritage buildings and protected structures are a vital part of the infrastructure of our villages, towns, and cities,” he said. “The Action Plan for Rural Development recognises the importance of investing in built heritage as a tool for rural regeneration and the economic recovery is allowing the Minister to increase the level of funding available.
“Investing in our built heritage is not just good for the individual properties concerned, but can also provide a real boost to job creation in the construction, conservation, and tourism sectors. A wide range of properties will benefit from funding this year in every county nationwide, including residential homes, townhouses, railway stations, churches, country houses, and other listed buildings.
“I am also delighted by the response of private owners and their willingness to release substantial private matching funds for the benefit of our built heritage.”
