€300,000 funding will help bring Glenties' Laurels House back to life
Glenties has received €300,000, which will be used for works to Laurels House, which is Brian Friel's mother's home, with the €50,000 awarded to Raphoe to prepare a regeneration plan
Glenties and Raphoe will share €350,000 in funding under the 2025 Historic Towns Initiative.
Glenties has received €300,000, which will be used for works to Laurels House, which is Brian Friel's mother's home.
The 2025 project involved working with the Brian Friel Trust to bring the Laurels back into use. Some works have already been carried out however, this grant will go towards the completion of structural works and the provision of service and landscaping.
“It is hoped that tender will be invited shortly as Donegal County Council and the Trust are anxious to have this phase of the work complete by October 2025, which is the 10th anniversary of the Late Brian Friel,” Pat the Cope Gallagher TD, said.
“Substantial works have been carried out to the old courthouse in Glenties, which when completed will be the Brian Friel visitor centre. Future funds will be required for this in the next phase of the development and hopefully, the state agencies and Donegal County Council will continue to provide financial support.
“I pay tribute to Donegal County Council, the Brian Friel Trust, Tourism Failte and the Heritage Council for their contribution to this project which will be of enamours benefit to the town of Glenties.”
The €50,000 awarded to Raphoe is to prepare regeneration plans. It is then hoped that funding will be provided to implement the plans. The funding was announced by the Heritage Council, along with Minister of State Christopher O’Sullivan TD and Minister James Browne TD.