Ballinrobe Courthouse is to benefit from an allocation of €8,000 funding as announced by the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan.
The news has been welcomed locally by two county councillors and by Minister of State Michael Ring.
The money is being allocated under the Structures at Risk fund to enable conservation works to be carried out on heritage structures which are deemed to be at significant risk of deterioration and which are protected under the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2012.
Minister Ring explained that the Structures at Risk Scheme, which been in operation since 2011, has encouraged regeneration of heritage properties and has helped to secure the preservation of protected structures.
Ballinrobe based Fine Gael councillor Michael Burke has welcomed the inclusion of the Ballinrobe Courthouse for funding under the fund. Cllr Burke said: “This money will help with the up-keep of one of Ballinrobe’s most beautiful and historic buildings. The courthouse was in operation in Ballinrobe from its construction in the 18th century up until 2009 and it is important that the building is not allowed fall into disrepair due to lack of use.
“We are fortunate in Ballinrobe as the courthouse is the only building in the county to receive money under Structures at Risk Fund this year and I greatly thank Minister Deenihan for ensuring the inclusion of the building on this year’s list.”
Cllr Patsy O’Brien also welcomed the announcement: “I have been looking for the necessary works to be carried out in conjunction with Ballinrobe Boxing Club for a number of months. I am absolutely delighted to receive confirmation of this funding announcement from Minister Deenihan. It is a very worthy project and it deserves this funding.”
