Wicklow County Council has welcomed confirmation from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage of almost €170,000 in capital support for two significant historic properties under the Historic Structures Fund (HSF).

Russborough House in Blessington will receive €101,817, while the Old Schoolhouse in Lacken has been awarded €66,433. The grants will fund conservation works to safeguard the historic fabric of both buildings.

A landmark of national importance and a major visitor attraction operated by the Alfred Beit Trust, Russborough House will use its HSF allocation to carry out extensive and essential stone repairs. The project is intended to secure the building's ongoing role as a heritage, educational and community resource for County Wicklow.

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The Old Schoolhouse in Lacken — a focal point of village life for more than 150 years, first as a national school and later as a community centre — will undertake a programme of repairs including timber window restoration, an overhaul of cast-iron rainwater goods, lime repointing, stone repairs and re-rendering in lime plaster.

Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr. Melanie Corrigan stated: "This investment under the HSF is welcome news for County Wicklow, supporting the conservation of two important heritage buildings and securing their future as key parts of our tourism and community infrastructure."

Administered locally by Wicklow County Council on behalf of the Department, the HSF aims to facilitate larger-scale conservation projects on historically significant structures in need of urgent support, promote the regeneration and reuse of heritage buildings, and ensure their preservation for community benefit.

HSF-supported works prioritise the use of traditional materials and specialist craft skills, sustaining employment in conservation trades and aligning with the scheme’s wider objectives to deliver impactful restoration, protect heritage skills and enhance climate resilience in historic buildings.