More funding for conservation of Jigginstown Castle in Naas
Jigginstown Castle. Pic: Tony Keane.
THE ongoing conservation project at Jigginstown Castle has received a boost through another injection of funding.
Cllr Anne Breen says that Minister of State Brian Hayes has effectively approved the next phase of the Jigginstown Castle Conservation Project.
Jigginstown House, on the Newbridge road on the outskirts of Naas, made architectural history when it was built in the late 1630s as it was the very first large scale brick building in Ireland.
It was described as a “residence fit for a King”. It was built by Thomas Wentworth, Earl of Strafford, and then Lord Lieutenant for Ireland. The house contained marble decorations as well as red brick, and still retains some very interesting architectural features like its vaulted underground cellars.
The house was in danger of deteriorating beyond repair which would have been a great loss to the local heritage.
However, a programme of conservation work was carried out at the house between 2003 and 2008 which included archaeological excavations, building surveys and some conservation work on the ruin.
The work was suspended for a time while emergency work was taking place at the Connolly Folly Monument at Castletown House.
The next phase of the Jigginstown Project will be the consolidation of the south-west corner which will be undertaken as part of the 2012 programme of works.
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Weather for Naas, Ireland
Wednesday 22 May 2013
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