Funds will boost employment opportunities for builders and tradespeople in Wicklow
Fine Gael TD for Wicklow, Andrew Doyle, has welcomed the news that €119,000 in funding is to be granted to twelve buildings and structures in Wicklow under the Built Heritage Jobs Leverage Scheme 2014. Deputy Doyle said the provision of more than €119,000 for the repair, restoration and conservation of protected buildings in Wicklow will help to secure our heritage for future generations while giving a boost to local tradespeople who are in search of work.
Speaking after the announcement, Deputy Doyle said, “I am pleased to see that €119,000 is being released for the repair and restoration of protected structures in Wicklow. The purpose of this funding is to ensure that works take place to safeguard structures protected under the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2011 in our county, including structures within Architectural Conservation Areas.”
“A number of old buildings in Wicklow are set to benefit under this scheme, including Duncairn Terrace in Bray, Oaklawn House in Newcastle, Wicklow Parish Church of Ireland in Wicklow Town, St. Saviours Church in Arklow, Donaghmore Church in Donard, amongst others. All the projects have been announced by the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan TD, who has made numerous visits to our county in recent months.”
The funding has been allocated under the Built Heritage Jobs Leverage Scheme (BHJLS), which is being funded through the sale of the National Lottery Licence.
Deputy Doyle continued, “Our historical buildings have a very important place in our villages and towns across County Wicklow; as well as being a source of local pride, they also act as a considerable draw for tourists. This scheme is the most significant investment in protected buildings since 2008. By requiring each project to match taxpayer funding with private sector funding, it is expected up to €16 million in private funding will be unlocked, showing how historic buildings can provide a real benefit in terms of job creation in local areas.”
“I welcome a total of €119,000 being made available so that 18th and 19th century houses, churches, schools and buildings of note in County Wicklow can be restored to their former glory and structurally maintained for future generations. This scheme combines conservation and restoration with job creation, and it should give a significant boost in employment in the construction industry and in a number of specialist trades.”
“The construction and trade sectors of our society have suffered greatly in recent years following our economic meltdown and the collapse of the building sector. I am delighted that Wicklow is to benefit to such an extent from this initiative, that the future of these buildings is being secured and that work opportunities will be available for local contractors in Wicklow”, concluded Deputy Doyle.
Full list of approved works for Wicklow:
– Name and Address of Structure – Type of Structure – Main type of works – Funding awarded
– Ryecroft House, Church Road, Bray – 19th-century house – Insulation and draft-proofing – €3,800
– The Corner House, Newtownmountkennedy – 18th-century house – Masonry/brick/lime render repairs – €3,015
– Derralossary Church, Ballinacorbeg, near Annamoe – Church – Masonry/brick/lime render repairs – €2,989
– Donaghmore Church, Donard Church – Masonry/brick/lime render repairs – €15,000
– St. Brigits Church, Macreddin West, Aughrim – Church – Masonry/brick/lime render repairs – €5,000
– St. Saviours Church, Arklow – Church – Masonry/brick/lime render repairs – €14,982
– Old Abbey, Abbey Street, Wicklow Town – Medieval abbey – Masonry/brick/lime render repairs – €15,000
– Russborough House – Country House – Rainwater goods repair – €15,000
– Duncairn Terrace, Bray – 19th-century house – Roof repairs – €15,000
– Oaklawn House, Newcastle – 19th-century house – Roof repairs – €10,784
– Wicklow Parish Church of Ireland, Church Hill, Wicklow Town – Church – Roof repairs – €8,430
– Ballyarthur House, Arklow – Country House – Roof repairs – €10,000