Protecting local heritage sites is good for Midlands jobs – McFadden

“Protecting our local heritage sites is good for jobs in the Midlands”, says Fine Gael TD for Longford/Westmeath, Gabrielle McFadden. Deputy McFadden was speaking after end of year results for the Built Heritage Jobs Leverage Scheme showed that the scheme generated 175 jobs last year, with a total of €15 million invested in 540 projects across the country.

“Protecting our local heritage sites is good for jobs in the Midlands. Early last year, €108,000 was granted for 13 heritage projects in Westmeath along with a further €90,000 for 13 projects in Longford.

“Included in the projects for Westmeath were: €15,000 for Moate Courthouse, €15,000 for St. Sinan’s Church in Tyrellspass, €10,000 for Kilbeggan Distilery and €10,000 for St. Nicholas’ Church Rathconrath.

“Among the 13 projects for Longford were: €10,500 for Aghnashannagh Corn Mill in Ballinalee, €10,000 for St. Paul’s Church in Newtownforbes. €10,000 for St. Brigid’s Church and Parochial House in Edgeworthstown, and €5,000 for Carigglas Manor.

“Across the different projects the money is being used for conservation reports and structural repairs such as roof and window repairs, as well as masonry and joinery works.

“Preserving our local heritage is so important for future generations. It is great to know that in doing so, we can also create employment for local people. The construction industry and its skilled tradespeople were among the hardest hit during the economic recession. Now as unemployment reduces to 10.6%, its lowest point in nearly 3 years, it is good to see this sector getting work again through this heritage scheme.”