Listed buildings to benefit from £500,000 funding

Environment Minister Mark Durkan announced last week that funding would support the conservation of a variety of buildings, one of which being the Church of the Holy Undivided Trinity in Waringstown.

The funding, taken from the carrier bag levy receipts, will be used to restore the church for its continued ecclesiastical use.

The Minister stated:

“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.

“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.

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

Other buildings set to benefit from the funding include the Union Theological College in Belfast and St Eugene’s Cathedral in Derry.