The owners and custodians of archaeological monuments in County Cork are being invited to apply for funding to safeguard these structures into the future. Nationally, €5 million is available under the Community Monuments Fund 2022, which is a threefold increase since it was established two years ago.

It is the third grant scheme for historical sites to be announced in recent weeks with Cork County Council administering the three funds locally. The Council is also hosting a workshop on Thursday, December 9th to advise and assist potential applicants. 

The Community Monuments Fund will enable conservation works to be carried out on monuments which are deemed to be significant and in need of urgent support. It aims to build resilience in monuments enabling them to withstand the effects of climate change. The fund also aims to encourage access to monuments and improve their presentation.

The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Gillian Coughlan welcomed the scheme saying: 

There were eight successful projects in Cork County during 2021. I am hopeful that there will be even more successful applicants in 2022. I would encourage private owners and custodians of historical monuments and buildings as well as community groups to attend the upcoming workshop on Built Heritage and Archaeological Grants on December 9th. It is the perfect opportunity to find out more about the funding streams that are now open for applications. 

Funding of up to €85,000 is available for repair and conservation works under the Community Monuments scheme. Grants of up to €30,000 are also available for improving public access and interpretation at archaeological monuments.

Chief Executive of Cork County Council Tim Lucey added: 

An important element of the Community Monuments Fund is to enable these historical structures to withstand the effects of climate change. We’re already seeing the impacts of increased weathering which means that the repair cycle on built heritage is likely to become shorter. It is through increased maintenance and repair that our monuments will be available for future generations to appreciate and learn from.

The deadline for completed applications to the Community Monuments Fund is 5pm on Tuesday, February 15th, 2022. Applications must be emailed to Cork County Council’s Heritage Unit [email protected].

Cork County Council’s Historic Monuments Advisory Committee will host an online workshop about the grants available on Thursday, December 9th, 2021 from 2pm to 4pm. The event will give an overview of the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, the Historic Structures Fund and the Community Monuments Fund which are now open for applications. Places are limited at the free event. To register, email [email protected] before 5pm on Monday, December 6th.

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