The Ballyshannon Historic Towns Initiative has been shortlisted for the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland Public Choice Award 2023. The Ballyshannon Historic Towns Initiative was a partnership between Donegal County Council, Ballyshannon Regeneration Group, Dedalus Architecture, local property owners, The Heritage Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage. Over two phases in 2021 and 2022, sixteen historic buildings along The Mall, Main Street and on The Diamond, Ballyshannon benefitted under the Historic Towns Initiative. Members of the public have until midnight on Tuesday, June 20 to cast their vote for the Ballyshannon Historic Towns Initiative at:
www.riai.ie/public-choice-award-poll
The Ballyshannon Historic Towns Initiative represented a crossâdirectorate partnership between the Housing, Corporate & Culture Directorate and the Community Development & Planning Services Directorate of Donegal County Council and was co-managed by the Heritage Officer and Conservation Officer. “Most of the 16 historic buildings in the Ballyshannon Historic Towns Initiative were Protected Structures or included on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage and contribute to Ballyshannon’s historic streetscape” said Collette Beattie, Conservation Officer. “The conservation works undertaken included roof and chimney repairs, addressing structural issues, installation of cast-iron rainwater goods, reinstatement of timber sash windows and doors, repair and reinstatement of historic shopfronts and repair of the cast-iron and wrought-iron railings. All the repairs used traditional materials, enlisted traditional building skills and were informed by best conservation practice and historical evidence.”
“It’s great to see the historic building conservation work in Ballyshannon recognised by the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland with a Public Choice Award nomination” said Joseph Gallagher, County Donegal Heritage Officer. “As part of the initiative, Donegal County Council, the Ballyshannon Regeneration Group, local property owners and the local community worked with Duncan McLaren, a Grade I conservation architect, and his team at Dedalus Architecture based in Moville, to show that historic building conservation can constitute good urban design while retaining the heritage character of the town, its streetscape and buildings on a modest budget. The Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland works to inspire excellence in architecture. The annual RIAI Architecture Awards raise awareness of the value that architecture brings to society and advocates for good quality architecture that is inclusive and sustainable and makes a positive contribution to climate change action. We were fortunate to work with our wonderful community partners, the Ballyshannon Regeneration Group – in particular, Cllr. Barry Sweeny and Terry McIntyre – and local property owners on this great initiative.”
The winners of the RIAI Architecture Awards will be announced later this month so get voting!
