Applications now open in Clare for the Community Monuments Fund 2026

Applications have now opened in Clare for the 2026 Community Monuments Fund.

Launched by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan TD, applications can be made until January 30, 2026.

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The 2026 Community Monuments Fund will invest in Clare's valuable archaeological heritage and help the owners and custodians of archaeological monuments to safeguard them into the future for the benefit of communities and the public.

When he announced the upcoming 2026 fund  Minister Browne said: "We are very pleased to announce the Community Monuments Fund for 2026. Our archaelogical monuments are a great source of pride for local areas."

"We must protect them for all to enjoy long into the future and prevent them from falling into disrepair and this fund provides financial support for that protection."

"The broader heritage sector, including local authority heritage teams, are leaders in identifying monuments that could benefit from this funding. I encourage owners and custodians of such monuments to make contact with your local authority to find out more about applying."

The total funding available nationally for projects under Community Monuments Fund 2026 will be €7.5 million.

This funding is prioritised for Local Authorities, State-funded organisations, private owners, custodians and community groups for the care, conservation, maintenance, protection and promotion of archaeological monuments.

The core aims of the fund are the conservation, maintenance, protection and presentation of archaeological monuments. 

It will enable conservation works to be carried out on monuments which are deemed to be significant and in need of urgent support, build resilience in our monuments to enable them to withstand the effects of climate change and encourage access to monuments and improve their presentation.

The Community Monuments Fund is delivered through three funding streams.

Stream 1 offers grants of up to €100,000 for essential repairs and capital works focused on the conservation and repair of archaeological monuments.

Stream 2 provides grants of up to €30,000 to support the development of Conservation Management Plans or Reports. These projects aim to identify conservation measures for archaeological monuments and improve public access.

Stream 3 offers grants of up to €30,000 for access enhancement and interpretation projects (including virtual or online initiatives), as well as small-scale emergency conservation works at archaeological monuments.

The Community Monuments Fund supports projects relating to archaeological monuments that are listed in the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) under the National Monuments Act 1930 (as amended), or identified in the Sites and Monuments Record compiled by the National Monuments Service.

Eligible projects include those proposed by Local Authorities for archaeological monuments in public ownership, where a clear heritage focus and community or public benefit is demonstrated.

Funding is also available for projects proposed by Local Authorities on behalf of private owners or custodians of archaeological monuments, where there is a tangible public benefit.

In addition, projects with a clear heritage focus and community or public benefit may be submitted directly to the Department by State-funded organisations working in the heritage sector.

The closing date for applications to the local authority is Friday, January 30, 2026. Applications can be made using the form on the Clare County Council website.