Northern Ireland Environment Minister, Mark H Durkan, has announced £500,000 funding for six listed buildings. 

With funding tightly squeezed in DOE, the Minister has stipulated that buildings will only attract funding if they provide direct benefit to the local communities in their area.

The funding from the carrier bag levy receipts, will support the following conservation schemes:

• Former Derry Cathedral Primary School at Derry’s walls, which will transform into a tourism venue
• Former Holy Cross Boys School on the Crumlin Road in Belfast which is being converted for community use
• Church of the Holy Undivided Trinity in Waringstown, restoring the building for its continued ecclesiastical use
• Essential restoration works to the Sacred Heart Church, Omagh
• Works to conserve the Union Theological College in Belfast, which trains ministers for the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
• Essential repair and maintenance of St Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry.

Mark H Durkan said: “This is some good news for our built environment in the North. Obviously I would like to fund many more projects but that was not possible given the dire economic situation. Under the budget cuts no money was to be allocated. Now some important community and church buildings will benefit.

Mark H Durkan – “This is some good news for our built environment in the North. Obviously I would like to fund many more projects but that was not possible given the dire economic situation”

“I needed to prioritise. I am doing that by directing the scarce funds available to those buildings that have the greatest potential of providing maximum benefits for local communities and the environment. These buildings, some lying derelict and forlorn for years, will now see essential repair and maintenance with new life and usage breathed into them for the benefit of all.

“I have not lost sight of the remaining buildings which the department has committed to support, many of which are in urgent need of help in maintaining their special character. This is a tough time for environmental groups and owners. I have heard their concerns loud and clear. What I am doing is fulfilling my vow to try and alleviate some of that pain as imaginatively and effectively as possible.

“When the Carrier Bag Levy was introduced, the promise was that it would be spent on the environment and for the benefit of everyone. We are fulfilling that promise, but in a focussed way with emphasis on projects that benefit communities.

“Be assured, I will continue to keep seeking ways to address this budget problem for the benefit of our environment.”

Read Similar

Councils Call For New Powers To Tackle “Car Litter Louts”

Waste Boss “Relieved Of Duty” Following ITV Documentary

Tyre Recycling Blaze And Lightning Strike Explosions

Friends Of The Earth Food Waste Stunt Outside Birmingham Council

Fish, Beer And Whisky Waste Could Boost Scotland’s Economy By £800m

AD Biogas Industry Ready To “Step On The Gas” As It Passes Milestone

Circular Economy Business Models Help Manage Financial Risk