Works to protect historic Kilkenny cathedral and round tower from lightning

Kilkenny TD and Hertiage Minister Malcolm Noonan this week announced a total of €115,820 in funding for three local heritage projects.

They are among 78 heritage across the country that will benefit from a total of €4m under this year’s Historic Structures Fund (HSF) administered by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in conjunction with the country’s 31 local authorities.

In Kilkenny, €38,000 has been allocated to repair and structural works to Kells House. A further €50,000 will be provided to pay for works to stabilise the arches of the historic Old Ennisnag Bridge.

Meanwhile, a further €27,820 has been allocated to install a new lightning protection system to protect St Canice’s Cathedral & Round Tower in Church Lane (pictured).

Announcing the funding, Minister Noonan said: “I am delighted to announce another €4m investment in our built heritage. This year’s Historic Structures Fund will assist 78 owners and custodians of historic and protected structures across the country as they carry out hundreds of conservation projects to repair and safeguard our built heritage. I am particularly pleased to announce the awards made to vernacular structures and historic shopfronts following their successful pilot schemes last year.”