Deadline approaches for Clare organisations seeking support under Community Monuments Fund

Nationally, a total of €7.4 million will be allocated with Clare County Council administering the scheme locally.

The funding will be prioritised for local authorities, State-funded organisations, private owners, custodians and community groups for the care, conservation, maintenance, protection and promotion of archaeological monuments.

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The core aims of the fund are the conservation, maintenance, protection and presentation of archaeological monuments in Clare and across the country and 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; encourage access to monuments and improve their presentation.

The Community Monuments Fund has 3 Streams:

Stream 1 will offer grants up to €100,000 aimed at essential repairs and capital works for the conservation and repair of archaeological monument.

Stream 2 will offer grants of up to €30,000 for development of Conservation Management Plans/Reports that are aimed at identifying measures for 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.

The Community Monuments Fund provides funding for projects in relation to:

Archaeological Monuments that are included in the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) under the National Monuments Act 1930 (as amended)

Archaeological Monuments that are identified in the Sites and Monuments Record compiled by the National Monuments Service.

Eligible projects will be drawn from the following categories:

Projects proposed by a Local Authority in relation to archaeological monuments in public ownership, where a clear heritage focus and community or public benefit has been demonstrated;

Projects proposed by a Local Authority on foot of applications from private applicants who are the owners or custodians of relevant archaeological monuments where there is a tangible public benefit;

Projects with a clearly defined heritage focus and community or public benefit proposed directly to the Department by a State-funded organisation working in the heritage area.

The closing date for applications is Friday, January 31 - click here for more details.