Funding of €350,000 has been announced for the conservation and preservation of a number of historic properties and national monuments across Ireland.

The funding will be provided by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, with works to be carried out by the Office of Public Works (OPW).

A total of seven projects will benefit from the investment.

They are:

• Reroofing the east wing at Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin (€60,000)

• Repairs to the graveyard wall at Tara, Co Meath (€30,000)

• Access, safety and presentation works to Carlingford Castle, Co Louth (€85,000)

• Conservation Works to summer house in Derrynane, Co Kerry (€40,000)

• Stone work to walled garden in Garinish Island, Co Cork (€40,000)

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• Dwelling on the Blasket Islands for staff shelter, Co Kerry (€45,000)

• Completion of conservation works to the follies, St Enda's Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin (€50,000)

Heather Humphreys, TD and Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, said: "Investing in our heritage is so important. I am pleased to be providing continuing support to the OPW to carry out the conservation and preservation of the State's heritage portfolio.

"These historic properties and monuments boost Ireland's appeal as a tourist destination and are also a great source of pride at a local level. Through this round of funding, projects stretching from Dublin to the Blasket Islands will benefit. It is very important that we maintain these properties so they can be safeguarded for generations to come."

Simon Harris TD and Minister of State for the OPW, added: "This €350,000 in funding will allow works to be carried out at seven sites under the remit of my Office, the Office of Public Works. The works will not only enhance the visitor experience but will conserve these wonderful historical sites for generations to come.

"They include major tourist attractions such as Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin, the iconic Hill of Tara and the beautiful walled garden on Garinish Island in Co Cork. These sites are of great cultural and historic importance, and I am delighted that the funding for these works will have such a positive and lasting outcome."

(JP)