Congrats! Village in Co Kildare gets €50k cheque for regeneration
A County Kildare town has been selected to benefit from a major national heritage funding programme aimed at revitalising historic areas and buildings.
Ballitore has been awarded €50,000 under the 2026 Historic Towns Initiative (HTI), a scheme led by the The Heritage Council in partnership with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The funding forms part of a wider €2 million allocation announced by Housing Minister James Browne and Minister of State Christopher O’Sullivan, which will support 18 towns across the country.
Ballitore is among eight locations selected to develop heritage-led regeneration plans, designed to guide future conservation and investment projects.
The initiative focuses on encouraging the reuse of historic buildings, tackling vacancy and dereliction, and supporting traditional building skills, while helping to sustain local communities.
Minister Browne said the scheme would have a “tangible benefit” for towns and villages.
“This funding will have a tangible benefit on the public realm of these towns and villages, protecting their built heritage and historical character,” he said.
Minister O’Sullivan added that the programme plays a key role in ensuring historic buildings remain central to community life.
“The Historic Towns Initiative works because it provides practical financial support to keep historic buildings in use,” he said.
Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, Virginia Teehan, said heritage-led regeneration helps strengthen communities and sustain traditional skills.
Through the scheme, local authorities will work with communities to develop plans aimed at preserving historic character while encouraging economic and residential renewal.
It is expected that the Ballitore plan, due to be completed in 2026, will help position the Kildare town for future funding opportunities and conservation projects.
The Historic Towns Initiative has supported similar regeneration efforts nationwide since 2018, with a focus on keeping historic buildings in active use and at the heart of town life.