Lucky 13 in Laois to share €185k fund

A LUCKY 13 heritage projects in Laois will share €185,000 in grants announced on Friday.

An old national school, a parochial hall and a former mill are among the centres that will receive funding under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme.

Historic buildings and streetscapes, including Main Street in Abbeyleix, are among the beneficiaries, with a total of €185,066 going to 13 projects across the county.

The Old National School in Vicarstown, which is part of an ongoing restoration project, will receive the largest slice of funding at €24,338.

There is €21,500 for Timahoe Heritage Centre, €20,000 for Newtown Mill in Durrow, €20,000 for Buhala, Conboro Road, Rathdowney, €16,500 for the parochial hall in Portarlington and €15,000 for Oatlands House in Ballyroan.

Smaller amounts will go to Cuffsborough House in Clough, Ballacolla (€10,000); St Fintan’s Church in Durrow (€7,108); Jamestown Cross, Ballybrittas (€14,000); Mulberry Cottage in Killeshin (€15,000) and Preston House, Abbeyleix (€10,000).

A total of €7,800 has been allocated to conservation and maintenance of historic windows, doors and associated elements on Main Street, Abbeyleix, while €3,820 will go to thatching at Reary Beg, Rosenallis.

The scheme helps property owners to conserve and enhance historic buildings and streetscapes, while also preserving and developing traditional building skills. The national grants will be used to repair, restore, and protect historic structures, from modest traditional homes to landmark public buildings.

The Laois grants are part of a national €8.1m fund for over 650 projects around the country.