Owners of historic properties urged to apply for conservation grants

The Irish Georgian Society (IGS) is calling on heritage groups and owners of historic properties to apply for this year’s conservation grants scheme.

Now in its third year, the grant scheme provides financial support for works to structures of significant architectural merit. There is a total of €50,000 available which is funded by the London Chapter of the Irish Georgian Society.

Structures of national and international significance will be given priority over buildings of regional importance, according to Róisín Lambe of the IGS.

Last year, the Lion's Gate, an arched gateway attributed to architect James Gandon which is the entrance to the former Mote Park demesne in Co Roscommon, was awarded €10,000. Collon Church in Co Louth, which was designed by Rev Daniel Augustus Beaufort, a rector and amateur architect, was awarded €10,000 for roof repairs, while the 18th century Donnybrook House in Co Cork was awarded €10,000 for roof repairs. Several other projects were given smaller grants.

Applicants should send general details of the proposed conservation projects by Thursday, March 3rd to igsconservationgrants@gmail.com.

A shortlist of preferred projects will be selected about which more detailed information will be sought by March 31st. The final decision will be made in June 2016. Previous projects supported by the scheme can be viewed on igs.ie/uploads/Conservation_Grants 2014.pdf and igs.ie/uploads/Conservation_Grants_Scheme_2015.pdf.