A £200,0000 fund to support roof repairs on listed buildings has officially opened in Northern Ireland.

Owners can apply for £5,000 repair works associated with roofs including chimneys and gutters while £10,000 is available for the repair of thatched roofs.

It is part of a £350,000 Executive package of support being provided to the built heritage sector this year.

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Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said: "Our listed buildings are a precious resource which provide character to our place and remind us of our shared history. It is important that we work together to ensure that they are maintained for the future and that the full potential they hold for the present is realised.

"The fund has been designed to allow a swift processing of applications to deliver support quickly to where it is needed. The focus on roofs reflects an increase in the number of buildings on the Heritage at Risk register over recent years. In many cases roof problems have been identified as the main cause of decay.

"I would encourage eligible building owners to apply by the deadline of 21 June, 2021."