Youghal Benefits As Gormley Throws A Further €2 Million At Walled Towns Initiative
Photos By: Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)
Mr. John Gormley, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, announced a funding package amounting to almost €25 Million to support built heritage projects in 2008. The provision represents a record increase of 42% on the amount spent in 2007.
The Walled Towns Initiative was launched last year and administered by the Heritage Council. Minister Gormley said he wants “to build on this excellent start and therefore I have allocated a further €2m funding in 2008. Walled Towns are a very significant tourist attraction and contribute considerably to the towns that are fortunate enough to have such iconic features. I believe we must do our best to conserve these beautiful reminders of our rich history.”
It is estimated that up to 40 towns North and South have surviving medieval walls. These originated in the building of defensive strongholds that evolved into medieval walled towns. They came to function as the political, cultural and economic engines that drove the development of these towns. The list of towns is widespread and ranges from major urban centres and smaller rural locations. This list would includes include Athenry, Athlone, Carlingford, Carrickfergus, Cashel, Clonmel, Cork City, Drogheda, Dublin, Fethard, Galway, Kilkenny, Kilmallock, Limerick, Trim, Waterford, Wexford, and Youghal Preservation of these structures contributes to the attractiveness of their area and often has positive economic and tourism spin-offs.
In conclusion, the Minister stated, “The Programme for Government placed the protection of our Built Heritage centre stage. I am now giving effect to the commitments contained in the Programme by providing substantial additional funding across all grant schemes, by strengthening the role of the Heritage Council and by encouraging in a practical way the recruitment of conservation officers by local authorities”.
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Does anyone know what is causing the delay in repairing the section of the Town Walls which collapsed several weeks ago?
If this delay had occurred when the town was under attack in ancient times the attackers would have a fine breach made by now. In fact several times the council of the day voted money for their repair and they did not have millions of euros from Minister Gormley to aid them.