Thatched cottages across Kildare receive funding for repairs under heritage scheme

Minister for Local Government, Housing and Heritage Minister Darragh O’Brien has announced €139,734 for Kildare under the 2023 Built Heritage Investment Scheme.

There were 18 recipients including Athy Lodge in Athy, Griesemount House in Ballitore, the Gothic Hall in Rathangan and Wonderful Barn in Leixlip. 

 Kildare based Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O’Loughlin said the scheme assists owners of heritage structures – including those on the local authorities’ Record of Protected Structures and those in Architectural Conservation Areas to meet their obligations to care for their properties by providing match-funded grants of up to €15,000 for standard projects.

She added: “Today funding will not only help maintain our built heritage in Kildare, but will also create economic benefits by generating jobs, including those in those specialist sectors providing employment for heritage contractors and tradespeople.”

“The funding announced today will support key heritage sites around South Kildare such as Thatch Cottage in Monasterevan, the Arch on the Athgarvan Road, Athy Lodge, Ballitore Hill House, Casa Maria in Athy. As well as sites such as the Gothic Hall in Rathangan and The Old Farmhouse in Narraghmore amongst others.”

“Conserving and protecting our local heritage sites is incredibly important and I am glad to see Government supporting our heritage in South Kildare.”