€94,450 has been allocated for conservation repairs to eight historic structures in Laois.
This funding includes work to repair thatched buildings, gable end walls, roofs and windows on a number of historic buildings in the county.
€15,000 is to be spent on roof repairs at Newtown Mill in Durrow while the same sum will be used to to repair windows on Portrane House in Portlaoise and Preston House Boutique in Abbeyleix.
The old RIC barracks in Clonaslee has also been allocated €15,000 for repairs to gable wall, new roof on original cell and new windows.
Cuffsborough House in Ballacolla is to get €11,100 for external joinery repair while the Former Goods Shed in Abbeyleix is to receive the same sum.
This money is to be spent on roof repair, structures and coverings including lead works.
€7,500 is going to the Fisherman’s Inn in Fisherstown for thatching while a thatched house in Rathmakelly is to get €4,750 for window and door repair.
This grant allocation will allow owners of historic and protected structures in Laois to protect and preserve these buildings.
Laois TD Sean Fleming said: “I want to thank the owners of these properties who had the interest and care for the buildings to apply for these funds.
“The Government today has allocated €4.5 million which included €500,000 for conservation repairs to historic thatched structures.
“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.
“These buildings are a part of our national heritage. I also want to acknowledge the work of Laois County Council Heritage Department in working with the owners of these properties in respect of this grant scheme.
“Finally, there are very specific and particular skills required by the people who carry out these works on historic buildings.
“It is important to maintain these skill sets in the country to work on the many historic buildings and this grant scheme contributes to this process.”
