Limerick awarded over €275,000 to protect archaeological monuments
Five Limerick projects were awarded funding
FIVE projects in Limerick have been awarded €278,613 in funding to help owners and custodians of archaeological monuments to safeguard them into the future.
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, announced that over €7.4 million will be awarded to 140 projects around the country through the 2024 Community Monuments Fund
First established in 2020, the Community Monuments Fund aims to conserve, maintain, protect and promote local monuments and historic sites.
Funding is available to allow conservation works to be carried out on monuments that are deemed to be significant and in need of urgent support.
The aim is to encourage access to monuments and improve their presentation and also to build their resilience to help them withstand the effects of climate change.
The CMF supports essential repairs and capital works for the conservation of archaeological monuments and also the development of Conservation Management Plans to identify measures that may be needed to conserve monuments.
Grants are also available to enhance public access infrastructure and interpretation at archaeological monuments.
Projects awarded funding this year include: Galbally Church, Ballynoe Tower House, Ballingarry Castle, Croom Castle and Mahoonagh Church.
Speaking today, Minister of State Malcolm Noonan said: "I’m delighted that 140 projects across the country will be supported under this year’s €7.4m Community Monuments Fund.
"Since its inception in 2020, this fund has become a lifeline for the protection of Ireland’s irreplaceable archaeological heritage by revitalising hundreds of historic monuments in cities, towns, villages and rural communities across all 31 Local Authorities.
"Through this, it is enabling valuable investment in the wider heritage sector, creating thousands of hours of employment for specialist craftspeople and traditional skills practitioners, as well as supporting the achievement of national commitments under Heritage Ireland 2030 and the Climate Adaptation Plan for Built and Archaeological Heritage.
"I’d like to congratulate the successful applicants and wish them the very best of luck in with their projects this year."