A total of 11 historic towns will share the funding, which will help aid the rebuilding of local economies and address vacancy with heritage as the consistent focal point.
Led by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Heritage Council, the HTI seeks proposals that encourage the specific re-use of historic buildings. Work on this year's projects will be completed before the end of the year.
Funding is recommended towards three new conservation projects and the continuation of another in the following towns:
• Castleisland, Co Kerry;
• Ballina, Co Mayo and
• Bantry, Co Cork,
• Monaghan, Co Monaghan.
-- Advertisement --
Meanwhile, there are plans to aid heritage-led regeneration in the following towns:
• Macroom, Co Cork;
• Duleek, Co Meath;
• Ramelton, Co Donegal;
• Enniscorthy, Co Wexford;
• Ballymote, Co Sligo;
• Carlow, Co Carlow; and
• Drogheda, Co Louth.
Commenting, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD said: "Today's announcement demonstrates the huge progress being made as part of Heritage Ireland 2030 and these projects will richly enhance the look and feel of each of the towns involved. This announcement demonstrates our commitment to heritage-led regeneration as part of our efforts to tackle vacancy and roll out our Town Centre First policy, creating town centres that function as viable, vibrant and attractive locations for people to live, work and visit. Looking through each of the projects, I am filled with a sense of hope and excitement about the potential for growth in our towns in a way that puts heritage front and centre, and am looking forward to seeing the completed works."
Chairperson of the Heritage Council, Dr Martina Moloney commented: "It is appropriate that in a week where we as a country celebrate our national cultural heritage for St Patrick's Day, that we can admire the efforts of local authority partners and communities in preserving and protecting our valuable built heritage through the Historic Towns Initiative. It is a fantastic scheme which will play a pivotal role in facilitating the re-use of vacant buildings in our town centres by tackling dereliction and helping us meet our climate change targets."
