Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 November 2023
334. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if an application for funding has been received (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52270/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department has not received an application for funding for the site in question under the Community Monuments Fund for 2024. However, as that fund was just launched on 16 November 2023, with the closing date for applications being 14 February 2024, it is possible that an application may yet be received.
The Community Monuments Fund (CMF) invests in our valuable archaeological heritage and assists the owners and custodians of archaeological monuments to safeguard them into the future for the benefit of communities and the public. In 2024, the Fund is investing a total of €7,000,000 in the conservation, maintenance, protection and promotion of an expected 120 archaeological monuments. The core aims of the Fund are as follows:
• 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 for 2023 has 3 Streams:
Stream 1 offered grants up to €100,000 aimed at essential repairs and capital works for the conservation and repair of archaeological monuments, (some projects of exceptional quality were able to apply for grants of up to €120,000).
Stream 2 offered 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 offered grants of up to €30,000 for enhancement of access infrastructure and interpretation (including virtual/) at archaeological monuments.
The fund provides funding for projects in relation to:
(i) Archaeological Monuments that are included in the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) under the National Monuments Act 1930 (as amended);
(ii) Archaeological Monuments that are identified in the Sites and Monuments Record compiled by the National Monuments Service.
Eligible projects are drawn from the following categories:
a) 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;
b) 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;
c) 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.
This scheme is being administered by the National Monuments Service of my Department through the Local Authorities. Anyone interested in applying for funding should contact their Local Authority heritage team.
