Three Cavan buildings get conservation funding

Funding will generate an estimated 11,250 days’ labour.

Three historic local buildings are to benefit from €4.5m funding package aimed at conserving and safeguarding Ireland’s built heritage.

In total €117,500 has been allocated to Cavan County Council in the announcement by Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan. They are among 96 heritage projects chosen nationwide.

Arvagh Market House, Market Square, Drumalt has received €37,500 to repair roof slates, carry out rainwater goods repairs, and fix windows; while Billis Mill, Drumollard, Ballyjamesduff has be allocated €45,000 for “emergency repairs” to masonry and kiln, the removal of the wheel for restoration and gain access to the gable wall, as well as repairs to floor and roof.

Lastly, €35,000 was awarded to Cavan County Council for works at Quivvy Church, Lower Loughtee, Belturbet to halt the “ongoing deterioration and reverse poor quality and inappropriate interventions”. The funding will also cover the conservation of roof coverings, and repair rainwater goods and mortar.

The department says in addition to supporting owners and custodians of historic and protected structures to safeguard and maintain their properties, this funding also provides a welcome boost to local construction and heritage trades by facilitating works. They estimate the value over €8m to the economy, and will generate an estimated 11,250 days’ labour, including for specialist heritage roles such as thatching and stone work.

The HSF is one of two built heritage funding schemes which work in partnership with owners and the 31 local authorities to protect our built heritage – a key aim of Heritage Ireland 2030, the new national heritage plan launched by the Minister last year.