Ireland
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A catalogue highlighting some of Northern Ireland's most vulnerable historic buildings has been released.
The eighth Built Heritage at Risk in Northern Ireland (BHARNI) catalogue was launched by NI Environment Minister Sammy Wilson in the atmospheric setting of the former Crumlin Road Gaol.
The catalogue, which is a joint project between the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society (UAHS), identifies historic buildings throughout the province in need of restoration.
Mr Wilson told the launch that the gaol, itself an iconic listed building, had benefitted from featuring in the catalogue.
He said: "The BHARNI catalogue highlights the vulnerability of our historic buildings and will, I trust, act as a catalyst for their preservation and re-use.
"This building, Crumlin Road Gaol, has been included in the online BHARNI register since its launch in 2004.
"Now, thanks to recent investment by the Department for Social Development to restore the street frontage, it has gained popular public appeal.
"This building is evidence that our built heritage can help support the wider economic and social regeneration of architecturally important areas such as this."
Michael Coulter, NIEA Built Heritage Director, said he hoped the catalogue would spur groups to access the expertise and grant aid available for preserving historic buildings.
"The catalogue features case studies of buildings, ranging from humble dwellings to large industrial complexes, that we have helped with both grant aid and advice," said Mr Coulter.
"I hope it will encourage those contemplating works to listed buildings to avail of our expertise and grant aid."
Chairman of the UAHS's BHARNI sub-committee Ian McQuiston added: "The many buildings and structures identified in the catalogue represent tremendous opportunities not only to restore and pass on our heritage to future generations but also to create economic development and much needed employment for the construction industry."
(PR/BMcC)
