Brian Friel. Photo: Bobbie Hanvey
DONEGAL Minister Joe McHugh has announced €140,000 funding to protect and improve local heritage projects, including St Eunan’s Cathedral Raphoe and the house where playwright Brian Friel based his world renowned play Dancing at Lughnasa.
“It’s always a great boost to see Government investment in heritage and history and it’s even better when there’s a great story behind some of the places,” Minister McHugh said.
In total 13 projects across Donegal are benefitting in the latest round of funding under the Historic Structures Fund and Built Heritage Investment Scheme.
The Minister for Education and Skills said: “This funding recognises the importance of our history and heritage and the legacy of culture that we are preserving.
“The €80,000 investment in preserving the Cathedral Church of St Eunan’s in Raphoe is a great example. It’s brilliant to see the work of Dean Arthur Barrett and those involved in the restoration project getting the reward for the impressive plans.
“But one of the great stories behind the projects on this year’s list is linked to The Laurels, Gortnamucklagh near Glenties. It’s the house Brian Friel visited as a child and it’s where he based his famous work – Dancing at Lughnasa. One of the other famous visitors is Oscar winner Meryl Streep.
“No doubt people who know and love their local history will have plenty of stories to tell about the other buildings on the list. And I look forward to hearing them.”
The projects benefitting under the Historic Structures Fund and Built Heritage Investment Scheme are:
Cathedral Church of St Eunan, Raphoe Renewal of roof coverings with natural slate; repairs to external walling; repair and renewal of defective roof flashings and roof abutments; new rainwater goods €80,000
The Guildhall, Ramelton, Roof repair, structures & coverings including leadwork. Conservation Report/Management Plan €5,000
Upper Main Street, Letterkenny retail outlet, Roof repair, structures & coverings including leadwork €5,000
P Mulligan & Sons Ltd Building, Ballyshannon, External joinery repair €6,000
Portnason House, Ballyshannon Rainwater goods repair/replacement €6,000
Old Coast Guard Station, Killybegs Coast Guard station, Historic window glass conservation/protection €3,000
The Old Fort Inn, Greencastle External repairs to Martello tower €7,000
The Laurels, Gortnamucklagh, Glenties Roof repair, structures & coverings including leadwork and joinery €10,000
The Battery, Rathmullan External wall repair €5,000
Faherna, Culdaff Reinstatement of architectural features €2,500
Lifford Old Courthouse, The Diamond, Lifford External joinery repair €3,000
Taughboyne Church of Ireland Parish Church, St Johnston Replacement of outdated services €2,500
Robertson’s School House, St Catherine’s Road, Killybegs Roof repair, structures & coverings including leadwork and joinery €5,000
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