The Heritage Council has awarded €78,430 in funding for six heritage projects in County Sligo under its Community Heritage Grants Scheme.
Heritage Council Funding for 6 Sligo Projects
St. Crumnathy’s Cathedral, Achonry, Co. Sligo has been allocated €20,000 for the preparation of a conservation report to guide future repairs. Pictured L to R are David Hosey, Michael Toolan and Gerry Connolly (all Achonry Mullinabreena Community Group) and Willie Lawlor (St. George’s Parish, Tubbercurry).
The aim of this annual grants scheme is to support projects that improve access and inclusion to heritage sites and that apply good heritage practice to the management of places, collections, objects and buildings.
The work of heritage organisations and community groups was acknowledged by Malcolm Noonan T.D., Minister of State for Heritage & Electoral Reform.
“Every year, I love to see the creativity and dedication of our heritage sector through these projects from the Community Heritage Grant Scheme. It reminds me that despite the challenges we face, our heritage remains in safe hands.”
Under the Community Heritage Grants Scheme 2023, The Heritage Council has awarded funding to the following Sligo projects: St. George's Parish & Achonry Mullinabreena Community Group (€20,000) for the preparation of a condition report for St. Crumnathy's Cathedral, Achonry, Co. Sligo; National Graves Association (€10,320) for a detailed assessment and repair report with emergency stabilising works for the Teeling Monument in Collooney; Cliffoney Community Forum (€10,000) will use its funding to conduct an audit of the key heritage landmarks and historical cultural components of life in the immediate vicinity of Cliffoney Village, and to set priorities for future action by the community; Hazelwood Heritage Society (€3,760) are working with Coillte to support the conservation of the Shell house at Hazelwood Forest; Enniscrone & District Community Development Company CLG (€9,350) will deliver the Enniscrone Castle Field Community Heritage Project which aims to promote awareness of the archaeology in the Castle Field, Enniscrone. The results of the research will be hosted online before an engagement strategy with local community and schools is undertaken. The project is part of a wider plan to implement conservation works on the castle ruins, which is a dominant feature of the Enniscrone skyline, sitting on a ridge overlooking Killala Bay; Lissadell and Munninane Churches Select Vestry (€25,000) will be undertaking conservation works to the historic windows of Lissadell Church of Ireland.
“Heritage Council funding for the Community Heritage Grant Scheme has more than tripled since 2020 and the quality of the projects awarded funding is ample justification for this enhanced support”, said Martina Moloney, Chairperson of The Heritage Council. “In many cases, the beneficiaries of the work being carried out is the public, who will be able to access newly digitised resources and enjoy newly restored buildings, objects and natural heritage sites of national significance.”
Commenting on the funding awards, Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of The Heritage Council, said:
“Our recently published Strategic Plan, Our Place in Time, acknowledges the pivotal role that community groups play as custodians of our national heritage and we are committed to ensuring that funding streams are in place to support communities to care for heritage and habitats. We will continue to run the Community Heritage Grant Scheme but will also develop new schemes which adapt to the needs of the sector as they evolve. For now, though, I wish to congratulate all the grantees and look forward to seeing the fruits of your labour later in the year.”
Siobhán Ryan, Heritage Officer with Sligo County Council said,
“The support from The Heritage Council for local heritage groups and local communities is very welcome.”
If your group would like to start preparing an application to the Heritage Council Community Heritage Grant Scheme in 2024, advice is available from the Heritage Office, Sligo County Council by e-mail at heritage@sligococo.ie.