Today’s funding announcement of €20,000 for St Mary’s Collegiate Church in Youghal will be of huge benefit, says Cork East Fine Gael TD, David Stanton. The monies, allocated under the Structures at Risk Fund of the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht, will allow for further conservation works to be carried on the Church.
“I am very pleased with today’s announcement of further funding for St Mary’s Church. Just last week the Heritage Council gave €2,000 to allow for the completion of the graveyard trail at the church. In total, €120,000* has been awarded in the last 11 months, to carry out conservation works on the building itself, the grounds and the boundary wall. St Mary’s Collegiate Church is one of the oldest churches still in use in Ireland and is of significant importance to our national built heritage and to Youghal’s tourism product.
“The Structures at Risk Fund provides targeted investment to vulnerable structures of our built heritage and helps to ensure the survival of Ireland’s most significant architectural, cultural and historical buildings. I am delighted that St Mary’s Collegiate Church was one of the 28 projects chosen to receive funding. It is a huge asset to the people of Youghal and one of the most important visitor attractions in the town.
*2014 Allocations: €60,000 (June), €20,000 (September), €18,000 (October)
2015 Allocations: €2,000 (April), €20,000 (May)