A specialist event on the use of Lime in construction is to be hosted in Kilkenny.

The city and county councils have joined forces with Wateford County Council and the Buildling Limes Forum of Ireland to hold a workshop seminar focusing on the material.

Organisers say delegates will look at the use of building limes in the repair and conservation of traditionally built structures.

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The day will consist of a series of talks in the morning followed by demonstrations in the afternoon.

Lime has been used as the principal binder for mortars and plasters for thousands of years.

It was only the introduction of cement in the middle of the 19th century, which led to the decline in the use of lime, culminating in its virtual disappearance by the mid 20th century.

Emerging evidence in the 1970s of the damage caused to historic buildings by the use of cement mortars and modern plasters has led to a revival in the use of lime over the past 20 years, not only for conservation but also for new build.

For more information on the event contact Aine Doyle, Conservation Officer at 056 7794153 for bookings.

(PR/BMcc)