Wicklow County Council invites applications to the Community Monuments Fund (CMF) 2024 operated on behalf of the National Monuments Service of the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage.
The closing date for applications is 4pm on 30th January 2024.
The 2024 Fund will support the conservation, maintenance, protection and promotion 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
Local authorities, private owners, community groups and custodians of monuments are eligible to apply under the following three streams:
- Stream 1 will offer grants up to €100,000 aimed at essential repairs and capital works for the conservation and repair of archaeological monuments.
- Stream 2 will offer grants of up to €30,000 for the development of Conservation Management Plans/Reports that are aimed at identifying measures for the conservation of archaeological monuments and improving public access.
- Stream 3 will offer grants of up to €30,000 for enhancement of access infrastructure and interpretation (including virtual/) at archaeological monuments.
Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Aoife Flynn Kennedy, stated: “The 2024 Community Monuments Fund will provide much-needed investment in our 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.”
Wicklow County Council Chief Executive, Emer O’Gorman, said the Council has been pleased to co-ordinate this important funding stream since it was initiated in 2021. Over the last three years, multiple projects in County Wicklow have benefitted from funding for a variety of initiatives such as archaeological research, conservation advice, reports and plans, masonry repairs, access improvements (physical and virtual) podcasts, publications and interpretation signage.
Application forms and further details are available at www.wicklow.ie under the latest news. Applicants should read the CMF guidance carefully and ensure that method statements and relevant consents are included with the application.
Applications should be returned by email to wicklowheritage@wicklowcoco.ie or by post, clearly marked ‘Community Monument Fund Application’, C/o Heritage Office, Wicklow County Council, County Buildings, Wicklow Town, by no later than 4 pm on January 30th 2024. Hard copy application forms are available by request to wicklowheritage@wicklowcoco.ie or by Tel: 0404 20100.
Other queries to Deirdre Burns, Heritage Officer, Wicklow County Council via dburns@wicklowcoco.ie.