Dáil Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government John Gormley has announced a funding package amounting to almost €25 Million to support built heritage projects in 2008. The provision represents a record increase of 42% on the amount spent in 2007.

An important element of this funding package sees the allocation of nearly €7m to local authorities to support the conservation of protected structures. The Minister said: "Local authorities have a key role in delivering effective conservation programmes in their areas. The additional €1m I am providing will allow local authorities support additional projects in 2008".

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Such conservation projects on protected structures include thatching houses, work on shop and pub fronts, timber sash windows, and repair/conservation of features of architectural significance generally.

The Minister also announced a doubling of funding for the Civic Structure Grant scheme to €4.4m. He said: "I have increased funds available for this scheme by €2.5m in order to provide not only additional funding for structures of significant architectural heritage merit which are in public ownership or open to the public but also to establish a new fund to support conservation works in our churches."

The Built Heritage funding package for 2008 also provides substantial funding of €7m to the Office of Public Works for projects at a number of State owned heritage sites. These projects will apply the highest standards in conservation, and proposed works include: St Endas Pearse Museum; National Botanic Gardens; Phoenix Park lodges; Heywood Gardens; Connolly's Folly; Durrow Abbey, and Nenagh Castle.

An additional €6.1m has been allocated to fund works on properties not in State care - much of this investment is to be channelled through the Heritage Council.

(VB/JM)