The launch of the Leitir Corn Mill Conservation and Restoration Project will take place at the Kilcar Fleadh Heritage day tomorrow at 1.00pm, in Áislann Chill Chartha, Kilcar.
The Kilcar Heritage Committee is delighted with the generosity of the owner in donating the Mill and Miller’s House on a long term lease to the community.
The mill is generally in reasonable condition, which demonstrates the care and maintenance that has been given over the years, which is a great tribute to its owner.
The primary aim of the Conservation and Development Plan is to conserve the mill with a view towards re-developing it as a working heritage mill in the future. It is envisaged that the most prudent way of tackling such a large-scale project is through an incremental approach over five-years. It is hoped that the re-development of Leitir Mill may fulfil a tourism niche in Co. Donegal.
Taken as a building on its own merits, the corn-drying kiln and corn mill at Leitir is undoubtedly of regional significance. However when one considers (a) the rich assembly and excellent state of preservation of authentic artefacts/machinery, (b) the associated miller’s house (little changed from its nineteenth-century state) and (c) the still functional condition of the millrace and millpond, it does not seem unreasonable to argue the entire complex is of national importance. Few of Ireland’s traditional corn mills have survived to the present day with this level of preservation and intactness.
This site is an important part of the 19th century industrial heritage of not alone Kilcar, but of the county and entire northwest region.
The mill building is built of stone from southwest Donegal, the internal mechanisms were made at Stevenson’s Foundry Strabane, Co. Tyrone and the grain milled was grown throughout this locality and served to provide for some of the food needs of Kilcar, Carrick and Killybegs. The mill is an outstanding reminder of the industrial/agricultural heritage of the area.
John Cronin & Associates has prepared a report for the Kilcar Heritage Committee with the help of funding from Údarás na Gaeltachta, but now we need help with funding to carry on with the program of works and most importantly the emergency repair to the north-facing stone wall, which is in a state of near collapse as the internal face had a partial collapse when the corn drying floor supports crumbled and gave way.
The committee are now welcoming donations from groups/companies and individuals in order to undertake this urgent remedial work. Cheques can be made payable to ‘Coiste Oidhreachta Chill Chartha’. The committee also welcome offers of voluntary help with this worthwhile community project.
