church heritage

Kilkenny is cited in 95 heritage projects across the country which will bene t from a total of €4.5m under this year’s Historic Structures Fund (HSF), with €37,000 in funding to the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Freshford e 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. e announcement follows the awarding earlier this month of €4.5m in funding under the Department’s other built heritage grant scheme –the Built Heritage Investment Scheme.

In addition to supporting owners and custodians of historic and protected structures to safeguard and maintain their properties, this funding will also provide a welcome boost to local construction and heritage trades by facilitating works with a total value of more than €8m.

It will also enerate employment (an estimated 11,250 days’ labour), including for specialist heritage roles such as thatching and stone work.