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Other
Schemes
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Sources of Information and Support
We have also endeavoured to gather some useful sources of information and further contacts for communities undertaking village enhancement projects. If you have suggestions that can be added to this list or updates on the information presented please contact us.
Urban & Village Renewal Scheme
Grants are available
from Local Authorities under the Urban & Village Renewal Scheme for
village
improvements. Requests for applications for these grants are normally
issued at the
commencement of each calender year and can be found in local press or
on the Local Council
website.
In the National Development Plan 2000 - 2006 provision is made for the
continuation of a
programme of urban and village renewal. Over the seven years of the Programme
total investment
of €131m (£103m) will be made to implement a programme aimed
at rejuvenating the social and
economic fabric of cities, towns and villages and the conservation of
the architectural heritage.
The Urban and Village Renewal Measure will be included in the Regional
Operational
Programmes. The total investment on the Programme of €131m (£103m)
is divided between the Border Midland and West Region and the Southern
and Eastern Region as follows:
- Southern and Eastern Region -€91.4m (£72m)
- Border, Midland and West Region - €39.4m (£31m)
Local authorities will implement the new Urban and Village Renewal Measure and they will be required, with the involvement of local communities, to draw up a strategic framework plan to be carried out during the currency of the NDP and these will form the basis of the more detailed plans to be drawn up for the specific projects to be funded each year.
Who to Contact
The body responsible
for the administration of Urban and Village Renewal in Cork County is
Cork County Council. Details on the scheme can be obtained from:
Urban & Village Renewal Section
County Architects Department
Cork County Council
County Hall
Cork
Tel: 021 - 4285525
Website
www.corkcoco.com
LEADER
The LEADER Programme provides a broad range of support for communities wishing to be involved in amenity enhancement and village renewal projects. This includes heritage conservation, landscaping, development of amenity areas and public spaces, signage, walking trails, water features, seating, etc. Funding is generally made available at the 75% rate up to a maximum of €150,000. Voluntary labour and the donation of assets can also be factored in as part matching finance. LEADER based financing has allowed many local organisations to develop and improve their local environment in a positive manner.
Who to Contact
For further information or to find out more about supports under the LEADER programme, please contact:
LisaCashman
or Jean O'Sullivan
West Cork LEADER Co-op, West Cork Technology Park,
Clonakilty, West Cork
023-34035
lisa@westcorkleader.ie
Conservation Grants
Conservation Grants are available from Local Authorities for a range of different buildings and structures. Requests for applications for these grants are normally issued at the commencement of each calender year and can be found in local press or on the Local Council website. In summary, structures that are of:
- Architectural & Archaeological
- Historical & Technical
- Artistic
- Scientific
- Social, or Cultural interest
will be considered for financial support. Website www.corkcoco.com For example, architectural interest may be attributed to a structure or part of a structure with the following qualities:
- A generally agreed exemplar of good architectural design.
- As an exemplar of a particular period, building type or significant plan form, or the development of a particular style or styles of architecture, including twentieth century architecture.
- The successful work of a known, architect, designer, craftsman or engineer.
- Containing a well-designed, spatially pleasing or decorative interior of well-crafted or rare fixtures, materials or finishes.
- The well designed setting of a building in relation to townscape or landscape.
Constituent part of a group of structures that were designed as a harmonious whole, like a terrace or square. The preservation or improvement of structures of historical interest can also be financially assisted particularly where
- Structure has influenced or been influenced by, an historic figure event phase or activity.
- Light is thrown on the character of a past age by virtue of the design, plan, materials or location of the building.
- Structure illustrates important aspects of the nations social economic cultural or military history.
- Significant history of the building itself.
- Site of an important event which occurred or is associated with it.
Who to Contact
The body responsible for the administration of Conservation Grants in the Cork County is Cork County Council. Details on the scheme can be obtained from:
The Conservation
Officer
Cork County Council
Millview House
Victoria Cross
Cork City
Tel: 021 - 4818000 Fax: 021 - 4818010
www.corkcoco.com
Heritage Council Grants: Buildings at Risk
The Heritage Council was set up in 1995 to help ensure the identification, protection and preservation of Ireland's heritage. As part of this work, the Council funds a programme of grants for historic structures, called the Buildings at Risk Scheme. The aim of the scheme is to safeguard buildings which are at serious risk, but are not yet in a ruinous state. Generally, this means making a structure watertight through works to the roof, rainwater goods, stonework, and windows. A fund of over €1.3 million is made available on a year-to-year basis to grant aid projects. The funding may cover up to 50% of the project cost and can be used in conjunction with grants from other sources. Most grants are between €1,000 and €20,000, depending on the overall cost submitted, but larger amounts may be available in special cases. The Heritage Council focuses on making grants available for projects that will help conserve and protect historic buildings. It prioritises work that will help save a building, and consequently will not fund projects of a more cosmetic nature. Below are examples of works which are not suitable for Heritage Council funding:
- Ongoing maintenance: work such as clearing of gutters, painting of windows etc.
- Upgrading to modern standards: plumbing, wiring, heating, decoration, upgrading of bathrooms and kitchens, extensions, conversions.
- Cleaning of external fabric: the surface dirt of a building often protects it from weathering. Cleaning will therefore only be considered if the dirt build-up is damaging the building.
- Damp proofing injection: Modern methods of damp proofing often exacerbate problems of damp in historic buildings. Instead of injection, the problem can often be solved by improving the surface water drainage.
- Internal repairs: The Council makes funds available for essential works to maintain the fabric of buildings. It does not normally fund works to the interior of a structure, on the grounds that these are unlikely to be essential to ensuring the building's stability.
Who to Contact
Details on the scheme can be obtained from:
Buildings at Risk
Section
The Heritage Council
Kilkenny
Co. Kilkenny
www.heritagecouncil.ie
Twinning Grants
Many Local Authorities operate a twinning grant scheme and funding for twining can also be obtained through EU sources in specific instances. While in many cases, twinning is associated with large towns and cities, twinning allocations have been made to settlements of approximately 300 persons. Website Twinning grants can occasionally be limited to specific activities and actions such as:
- The activity may involve travelling to a twinned city but travel is not a prerequisite for awarding a grant.
- An activity which is likely to develop and deepen links and generate new contacts with a twinned town / village will be given consideration.
- Any activity to be eligible for a grant may require a specific population or number of participants.
- A maximum grant of may be available / payable in respect of any application which must be supported by detailed programmes and financial projections.
Who to Contact
Details on the Town Twinning can be obtained from:
European Commission
in Ireland
18 Dawson St
Dublin 2
Tel: 01 - 6341111
Fax: 01 - 634112
www.euireland.ie