COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF LUCAN/PALMERSTON/NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
QUESTION NO. 26
QUESTION: Councillor Joanna Tuffy
That the Chief Executive Officer list all funding made available in the current Council term to listed or protected buildings by the Council in the Lucan Electoral Area under any grant schemes for conservation or heritage and if he will make a statement on the matter
REPLY:
There are currently two funding streams under National Architectural Grant Scheme for Protected Structures which is funded by the Department Housing, Local government and Heritage (formerly Dept Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht) and administered and managed by the Councils Architectural Conservation Officer. (1) The Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and (2) Historic Structures Fund (HSF). Under BHIS 60,000 was allocated to SDCC and 6 applications were received and assessed for submission to the DHLGH for formal provisional approval. No applications were received this year under BHIS or HSF for owners/occupiers within the Lucan Electoral Area.
Under the government’s July Stimulus program, Minister Noonan announced additional grant funding under a new Community Monuments Scheme (CMF) for 2020. The Councils Architectural Conservation Officer submitted a grant application under Stream 1 for conservation works to St. Finian’s Church, Esker. The application under the CMF was successful and SDCC were awarded 30K grant funding. Works commenced on the 22nd October 2020 with grant works having to be completed before the 17th November 2020. The conservation repair and consolidation works will ensure the safeguarding of the church gable and flank walls which are in a ruinous condition.
The Councils Architectural Conservation Officer has continued to liaise with the local community group during the project who were proactive in securing funding during 2019 under the Adopt a Monument Scheme. This allowed a condition assessment of the church to be carried out thereby facilitating the next stage in securing funding and resources to complete the necessary works. The project has progressed particularly well in commencing and completing works within a very tight timeframe, resulting in the safeguarding of a protected structure and the continued future enjoyment and appreciation of the site by the local community.
The Councils Architectural Conservation Officer and SDCC will promote and advertise the recently announced Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and Historic Structures Fund (HSF) for 2021.