This article is from page 14 of the 2012-10-09 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
A NEW initiative to support local community groups to access Leader funding for projects that upgrade buildings and structures of heritage value has been launched by the Clare Heritage Forum.
The Community Built Heritage Animator Programme will run until autumn 2013 and kicks off with a series of local seminars that will help communities identify projects and explore the technical and funding aspects of conservation works.
The seminars will take place over the next two weeks starting on Tuesday, October 16, in the Lakeside Hotel, Killaloe, and Thursday, October 18, in the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis.
The following week’s events are in the Stella Maris, Kilkee, on Tuesday 23 and Falls Hotel, Ennistymon on Thursday 25. All seminars are from 7.30 to 9.30pm.
Dick Cronin, Architectural Conservation Officer with Clare County Council, is inviting local groups to the seminars or to get in touch to explore the potential of projects in their communities.
“Clare Heritage Forum, Clare County Council and local communities have been working together for many years to identify, preserve and promote the county’s rich built heritage,” said Mr Cronin.
“Right now, there is a great opportunity for community groups to conserve and enhance this heritage with Leader funding from Clare Local Development Company. We are looking for groups to propose projects and we will assist them with technical expertise in applying for Leader heritage grants,” he added.
The Animator Programme is being operated by Leahy Conway Architects who have widespread experience in the preservation and conservation of heritage structures. Conservation architect Paul Conway is encouraging groups to consider all types of structures in their area.
“It may be a flagship building but equally it may simply be the clearance of ivy in an old church or graveyard. Other examples include gate piers, mausolea, village pumps, old castles, lime kilns, follies and so on. There are many places in your community where the past lives but which could benefit from a heritage grant,” he said.