Four Kilkenny heritage projects have received grants under the Heritage Council Grant Scheme announced this week.
An invasive species project, conservation of the Butler Gallery Collection, Kilkenny City Walls Talbot Tower Project and conservation works of a medieval tower at Newtown Jerpoint received funding for 2011
Speaking about the grant scheme, the Heritage Council chief executive, Michael Starrett, commented: “We were delighted to support so many fantastic projects in Kilkenny this year. Projects supported by the Heritage Council have real and significant economic benefits to the Irish economy by creating local jobs and promoting local tourism. Through this grants scheme, the Heritage Council is ensuring that what makes Ireland distinctive and unique is protected for the future and that the many heritage projects in communities nationwide are receiving the support necessary for them to survive.”
The Heritage Council allocates approximately €3 million annually under the Heritage Grant Scheme to a diverse range of heritage projects across Ireland. A recent survey of the 2010 and 2011 Heritage Council Grant Schemes has found a direct correlation between grants support provided by the Heritage Council and the impact on local economies.
In Kilkenny projects funded include a targeted programme to gather information on awareness of invasive species in the county. This project sought to raise awareness of invasive species from target groups engaging with them through workshops, and a questionnaire on their understanding, awareness, and attitudes to terrestrial invasive species, their potential impacts, their control and eradication. The focus of this project was on invasive plant species that are threatening native species along waterways and roads. This project is phase one of a two-phase project to raise awareness about invasive species.
The Butler Gallery received funding for the conservation of the Butler Gallery Collection. Conservation works included restoration and framing to safeguard the collection, to minimise deterioration and to protect the collection for the future.
Newtown Jerpoint also received funding for the conservation and stabilisation of a medieval tower. Newtown Jerpoint was a medieval borough which had been largely deserted by the end of the 17th century. It is described as exceptionally significant in the conservation plan published by the Heritage Council in 2007, as “a rare example of an abandoned medieval town, complete with standing remains and good quality historical documentation”.
Kilkenny Borough Council received funding for Kilkenny City Walls Talbot Tower Project (phase three ). Phases one and two have been successfully completed, with funding from the IWTN and Kilkenny Borough Council. This third phase involved rebuilding and repairing the stairs (to include a viewing platform ), base batter and north wall; re-pointing the external ledge; internal works to the tower; control of Japanese knotweed; and production of the post-excavation report for archaeological excavations on Talbot Tower.
