€200,000 has been approved for restoration works on a site of major historical significance here in Laois.
The old Donaghmore Workhouse, just outside Rathdowney, was built in the 1840’s during the Great Hunger (which is still improperly referred to as ‘The Famine’).
The building is now known as the Donaghmore Workhouse and Agricultural Museum.
It tells the story of the families who lived and died within the workhouse walls before, during and after the Great Hunger.
Between 1845-1849 about 1,200 people, or 10% of the population of the area, was forced to seek refuge here.
The museum uses guided and self guided tours, combined with various exhibits, to explain the socioeconomic conditions which led to the establishment of this and other workhouses.
Laois County Council recently acquired the historic property and applied for funding to carry out roof and chimney repairs “to improve the safety and structure of the building.”
Laois Fianna Fáil TD Sean Fleming welcomed the funding, which is drawn from the Government’s Historical Structures Fund.
“Even though this building was built in difficult times during the Great Famine, because of the scale and structure involved it is important that it be used in this century for the benefit of the public,” Deputy Fleming said.
“This substantial allocation of funding will now allow Laois County Council proceed with these important restoration and improvement works.”
While Fine Gael TD Willie Aird said: “The success of the Historic Structures Fund results from a close working relationship between the Department and the Local Authorities, particularly the Architectural Conservation Officers, Heritage Officers and planning and administrative staff at local level who make these schemes possible and help ensure that historic structures are maintained and restored for the benefit of communities, visitors and future generations.”
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