The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) is today announcing £170,000 of funding for Northern Ireland’s historic churches, securing the future of two places of worship that are in urgent need of repair.

The funding will allow vital repair works to these important buildings, help them provide better facilities and make the churches more suitable for wider community use.

Paul Mullan, Head of HLF, Northern Ireland, said: “Places of worship are among the UK’s most historic buildings, with fascinating stories behind them. This money will pay for urgent repairs, whilst also helping to tell the stories of these special places to visitors. As a result the buildings themselves will be more used by the whole community, and properly cared for into the future.”

HLF Grants for Places of Worship announced today include:

Derg Parish Church, Castlederg, Grant: £34800
This B+ listed church dates back to pre-reformation times and was almost destroyed by Phelim O'Neill's forces during the 1641 rebellion so it has deep links with the history of Ireland and Northern Ireland. They have been awarded £34,800 for the most urgent repairs to the roof, central valley and bell tower.

St Mary’s Church, Newry, Grant: £134,200
This 225-year old Grade B2-listed church is the oldest church in the Diocese of Dromore and one of the oldest Catholic churches in Northern Ireland. It has been awarded £134,200 to restore and preserve the building structure and fabric.

Further information
HLF press office, Natasha Hughes or Tom Williams, on tel: 020 7591 6143/6056