Green Party Senator Mark Dearey has welcomed new regulations to control recreational activities in sensitive nature areas like along the River Boyle, in the Baltray Boyne estuary area and on Bettystown and Laytown sand dunes.
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Cllr Mark Dearey welcomes €184,000 in funding for Heritage in Louth
Cllr Mark Dearey has welcomed today's announcement by Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley, that Louth is to receive €184,000 in funding to protect and conserve some of its finest built heritage sites, and in particular the increased funding for the walled town projects in Carlingford and Drogheda.
"This announcement is vital in safeguarding our historic structures," said Cllr.Dearey. "Local authorities have a key role in delivering conservation projects, and this funding will ensure we are able to continue the protection of important buildings and public monuments. Protecting our heritage not only makes our local area more attractive, but can stimulate the economy and invite tourism. I look forward to seeing the results that this funding will bring."
He continued, "I note that an extra €30,000 is being made available to Counties that employ conservation officers. I would hope that it might incentivise both Louth and Meath who currently employ one excellent conservation officer between them to employ an officer for each county. There is an enormous need for more conservation work in each County."
The funding was announced today as part of a €25 million package announced by Minister for Heritage John Gormley. Local authorities will spend €7 million on architectural protection grants this year, an increase of 17 per cent on 2007. €7 million will be spent to support works on properties in State care while over €6 million will fund works on properties outside State care, through the Heritage Council.