A €5,000 pay-out has been secured to help promote lace-making locally by a number of groups.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has been awarded the money and must claim it before the end of September.
The council’s enterprise, regeneration and tourism committee has been informed that the money will be used to help in a number of different projects.
The council, through the Ring of Gullion Partnership and South Armagh Lace Collective, have been collaborating with the Friends of Limerick Group, the Hunt Museum, Clones Lace and Headford Lace Project.
They are looking at how to enhance, celebrate and commemorate this “amazing craft and heritage”.
A report to Monday’s committee meeting explains: “At the moment the different groups are working individually to raise awareness of the rich heritage and skills in their own area.
“The groups are at different stages of growth with a range of projects.”
This money has now been secured which will help these lace groups collaborate, thanks to the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht’s Co-operation with Northern Ireland Funding programme.
The report to committee adds: “By coming together the groups hope to develop a partnership approach to develop an action plan and to promote lace as both a cultural heritage and active skill across the island of Ireland.
“This will include the development of a dedicated website.
“This project will meet the cultural need to highlight the rich heritage and protect this creative talent which has developed over the last 200 years.
“Lace making was once a core source of income to families in rural areas across the island.”
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