Phil Hogan, T. D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, has announced that he has given sanction to Longford Community Resources Ltd. to approve funding of €199,500 to Longford Revamp Homes Ltd. to provide training in building conservation skills in Co. Longford.

This funding, provided under the Training and Information measure of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, will provide training for 30 people in Longford. The training will cover building conservation and traditional construction skills, including lime plastering, roofing, stonework and an introduction to traditional roofing, which will be learned through practical work situations on a construction site as well as in a workshop and classroom environment.

-- Advertisement --

Announcing the funding Minister Hogan said: "I am delighted that the Rural Development Programme is in a position to support a project of this kind, which will be providing the only dedicated Conservation and Restoration Skills training of its type in Ireland. A feasibility study carried out in early 2011, and also funded under the Rural Development Programme, identified the huge potential for restoration and conservation training in the county in relation to sites of historic and national importance into the future. The project has the potential to create an opportunity for County Longford to become a centre of excellence in the field of conservation and restoration in the future; and will create a pool of skilled workers which will give Longford Revamp Homes Ltd. The wherewithal to deliver an ongoing service in this specialised area, while also boosting the potential self-employment opportunities for trainees."

(CD/GK)