Community Monuments Fund 2022
Department of Housing Local Government & Heritage
Seven projects within the County of Galway were awarded funding under the Community Monuments Fund announced by the Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD. Building on the impact of the scheme last year under which 139 awards were granted countrywide to an amount of just under €4.2 million, this year a total of 128 projects are being supported with an overall investment of €6 million. First established in 2020, the fund was increased from just over €1 million last year to €4.2 million in 2021. (Full Statement can be accessed HERE). Galway County has been awarded just over €278,000.
Conservation and Maintenance
The core objective of the Community Monuments Fund is to support the conservation, maintenance, protection and promotion of local monuments and historic sites. It contains a number of different measures aimed at enabling conservation works to be carried out on monuments which are deemed to be significant and in need of urgent support, encouraging access to monuments and improving their presentation and also building resilience in monuments to enable them to withstand the effects of climate change.
Archaeological Monuments
The Community Monuments Fund is investing essential capital in our valuable archaeological heritage to help owners and custodians of archaeological monuments to safeguard them into the future for the benefit of communities and the public while stimulating local employment and economic activity.
Pride of Place
Galway County Council administers the funding on behalf of the National Monuments Service, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer Galway County Council has expressed her gratitude and delight with the announcement. ‘This financial support to local authorities and custodians of our heritage is so appreciated. It will enable in tackling the many conservation issues of our monuments. Our communities take great pride in their heritage sites, and I am delighted to be in the position to assist with the implementation of these funds.’
Galway Community Projects awarded Funding
This is the third year that Abbeygormacan has benefitted from this funding. Following the completion of a Conservation Management Plan in 2020, emergency works to the transept chapel in 2021, works can continue with the abbey walls. Other Projects throughout the county to benefit are as follows: Kilclooney Tower House, Milltown; St. Kerrill’s, Gurteen; Killeroran Church & Graveyard, Ballygar; St. Mary’s Athenry, Issertkelly Church & Graveyard and Digitisation of Tuam High Cross.
Making public participation possible
Galway Community Archaeologist Bernie Doherty has assisted groups and individuals with the preparation of applications and highlights the positive impact this funding has in helping communities understand the importance of preserving and conserving our archaeological sites and monuments. ‘We express our gratitude to all the communities and individuals who put so much time and energy into their local heritage sites. This funding encourages public participation in caring for and showcasing our local heritage sites, which we are all so dependant on either directly or indirectly. Sincere thanks to Minister Malcolm Noonan and all at the National Monuments Service, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.’
Galway Community Archaeology Project is funded by Galway County Council and The Heritage Council
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