Historical sites should benefit from heritage funding scheme
HISTORICAL sites in Clondalkin should benefit from the latest government heritage funding schemes, according to local councillors, reports Maurice Garvey.
Cllrs Eoin Ó Broin (Ind) and Francis Timmons (Ind) encouraged South Dublin County Council to apply for funds in the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2022 and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2022 – both of which are funded by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
At the December Clondalkin area meeting, Cllr Ó Broin encouraged funding towards renovation costs at Kilmadudrick Church and Thomas Omar Lock House.
Meanwhile, Cllr Timmons called on the council to apply for funds towards a heritage study of Clondalkin Oilmill – a hidden treasure at Corkagh Park.
South Dublin County Council said applicants can apply to council’s architectural conservation section before the closing date of January 28, 2022.
With regard to Cllr Ó Broin’s request, the council said the two sites listed are not owned by the council and a funding application under the schemes needs to be initiated by the landowner.
South Dublin County Council, as a landowner, said they are considering their options in relation to applying for funding for a study at the Clondalkin Oilmills.
The allocation for South Dublin County Council under the BHIS scheme for 2022 has been increased to €96,000.
The fund is intended to assist with works to safeguard Protected Structures but is not intended to assist in the carrying out of routine maintenance, alterations, improvements, or pre-existing works.
The council have invited owners of Protected Structures and buildings within architectural conservation areas to apply under this scheme.
Applications can be lodged for grants of between €2,500 up to a maximum of €15,000.
The applicant must also provide funds to match 50 per cent of the cost of the works and therefore any application submitted by the council will be dependent on available funding and staff resources.
Meanwhile, the HSF scheme offers a range of grants from €15,000 to €200,000 for larger projects.
