EIGHT projects across County Galway have been awarded funding totalling €286,070 under the 2024 Community Monuments Fund, details of which have been announced by Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD (GP).
Funding will facilitate conservation works at Issertkelly and Temple Jarlath in Tuam and the preparation of Conservation Management Plans for St. Grellan’s Ecclesiastical Site in Ballinasloe, Kilmeen Ecclesiastical Site, Loughrea and Moylough Castle.
St. Brendan’s Cathedral, Clonfert has received funding for the digital recording of its iconic doorway, which is noted for its sandstone detail and symbolism of its iconography.
The necessary works to conserve and make safe the Seefin Souterrain in Craughwell will also proceed. The important archaeological site features three large chambers built with limestone slabs encased within a mound of soil.
Galway County Council and Galway Community Archaeology Project also have received funding to create story-maps of community monuments which have previously benefited from the Community Monuments Fund, including Kilcreevanty, Kilboght, Abbeygormican and St. Kerrills, Gurteen.
Reacting to the funding announcement, Cllr. Liam Carroll (FG), Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council commented, “The projects that have been successful under this year’s funding scheme will complement the wonderful conservation work that has been carried out on a voluntary basis by many communities throughout County Galway over the past number of years. I want to pay tribute to the many community volunteers who are working to record, conserve, restore and celebrate the distinctive qualities of their local heritage and communities”.
Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council said, “The Community Monuments Fund is a hugely popular scheme and is one which Galway County Council was delighted to be able to submit applications to on behalf of community groups. We are committed to working in partnership with community organisations across the county and supporting the aspects of heritage they and the wider public value”.
Bernie Doherty, Galway County Community Archaeologist stated, “This is wonderful news for the many communities and individuals involved in preserving and promoting their archaeological heritage. It encourages heritage best practice and will assist in advising and promoting our archaeological sites and monuments. We are really grateful for this ongoing support from The National Monuments Service, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and to the individuals and groups who worked really hard in the preparation of their applications”.
Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer with Galway County Council commented, “The Community Monuments Fund allocation is very valuable as will support the conservation, maintenance, protection and promotion of a number of our local monuments and historic sites. The conservation of our historic buildings, monuments and heritage sites makes our towns and villages more attractive to tourists and locals alike. This vitally important work also can often act as a catalyst for further heritage projects in an area, as it enhances local awareness in our built heritage”.
First established in 2020, the Community Monuments Fund (CMF) 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.
Further Information is available from the Galway Community Archaeology website at www.field-monuments.galwaycommunityheritage.org.
