The importance of regular maintenance of historic buildings is set to be spotlighted during an event in L'Derry later this month.

Derry City and Strabane District Council is hosting a seminar on the topic, which will also explore how to ensure their future conservation and re-use.

The seminar, entitled 'Maintenance Matters and Heritage at Risk', takes place on Wednesday 29 March in L'Derry's St Columb's Hall from 9.30am to 1.30pm.

Among the speakers taking part are Serena Gildea from the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) Ireland, Caroline Maguire Architect with the Heritage Advice & Regulation Branch of the DfC Historic Environment Division, Ann-Marie Gallagher of St Columb's Hall Trust, and Rita Harkin from the Architectural Heritage Fund.

The Council's Regeneration Officer, Maura Fitzpatrick, said: "The seminar will provide some practical guidance and case studies relating to care & maintenance of heritage buildings, and demonstrate that by implementing a regular regime of inspections and interventions can assist in preventing historic properties from being added to the Heritage at Risk Register for Northern Ireland (HARNI).

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"The seminar allows the opportunity to promote regular maintenance of buildings to avoid more serious defects occurring in the future. The deterioration of many properties is often not the result of neglect, but may sometimes be due to limited awareness of the types of interventions required. We hope this event will assist in educating and informing property owners of the importance of early intervention and how it can prevent costly defects at a later stage."

Karen Phillips, Director of Environment & Regeneration with Derry City and Strabane District Council, added: "We are delighted to have a range of speakers taking part who can share their unique perspectives on maintaining heritage buildings. This is an important seminar which will provide a useful information for delegates on firstly the importance of maintaining our historic built fabric by providing useful case studies to owners of heritage properties, as well as the importance of looking at our historic buildings which are on the Heritage At Risk Register for NI. It will provide a great opportunity for owners of these properties to get advice and guidance to through one-to-one discussions with the speakers and specialists in attendance."