Photo: David Farrell.
The Heritage Council, along with Minister of State Malcolm Noonan, has today announced that 11 historic towns will share €1.3m funding under the 2023 Historic Towns Initiative (HTI).
Ballina is set to receive €240,000 as one of three conservation projects funded under the initiative. The aim is to continue the conservation works to the Belleek Gate Lodge protected structure. This project will allow for re-use of the structure as a residence for artists, writers, ecologists, historians, environmentalists and community engagement.
Ballina TD Dara Calleary played a leading role in sealing the investment.
“Great news for Ballina this morning. I have secured an investment of €240,000 to continue the conservation works to the Belleek Gate Lodge Protected Structure.
This project will allow for re-use of the structure as a residence for artists, writers, ecologists, historians, environmentalists and community engagement.
This funding follows previously awarded grants of €95,000 and €160,000 which I secured under the Historic Towns Initiative in 2021 and 2022,” said Deputy Calleary.
The funding will help to provide jobs through heritage-led regeneration, aid the rebuilding of local economies and address vacancy, with heritage as the consistent focal point.
A joint initiative between the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Heritage Council, this year’s scheme follows on from highly successful projects during 2018 to 2022. The HTI seeks proposals that encourage the specific re-use of historic buildings, with works on this year’s projects to be completed before the end of the year.
Commenting, Minister Noonan 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.”
