Two Donegal buildings have been allocated a total of €280,000 for their repair and protection under this year’s Historic Structure Fund (HSF).
Former Warehouse, The Mall in Ramelton is receiving €150,000 for roof repairs and a rainwater system, while the former Prior Endowed School in Lifford has been allocated €130,000 for envelope repairs, renewal and treatment of rot damaged timber and associated structural repairs.
The two Donegal landmark buildings are among 28 heritage buildings that have been awarded over €3.5 million under the 2025 HSF announced by Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan.
The allocations for the two local projects was welcomed by Donegal Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue.
He said: “I’m delighted to see these two well-known buildings included in this year’s list. It’s important that our historic structures continue to be protected. These funding allocations will ensure their long-term sustainability and usability.”
“The buildings in Ramelton and Lifford are important parts of our heritage, and this investment will ensure their regeneration and continued use in the years ahead. I’d like to thank Minister O’Sullivan for his assistance with the Donegal projects. Ramelton has seen a lot of investment in recent years with €8.6 million having been allocated for the Ramelton Regeneration Project,” the Minister of State with responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy added.
“Great work has been done in Ramelton over the last number of years and confirmation that the former warehouse along The Mall is being repaired and restored is another plus for the town as its regeneration continues,” the Donegal minister commented.
Alongside other heritage funding streams such as the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the recently re-opened Conservation Advice Grant Scheme, the HSF aims to conserve, protect, and promote the use of historic buildings across our cities, towns, villages, and countryside.
The funding recipients will benefit from the preservation of their historic structures, ensuring their long-term sustainability and usability. From providing safe and restored residential homes to supporting vital services like supported accommodation, these projects will have a lasting impact on their communities.
Operated on a match-funding basis, the HSF promotes the investment of private capital into the preservation and rejuvenation of our architectural heritage. In addition to the €3.5 million of HSF funding committed, it is estimated that grantees will invest a further €7.6 million on these projects, which will support the work of traditional craftspeople while bringing many of the country’s landmark buildings back to their former glory.
The allocation has also been welcomed by Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher.
