Heritage funding announced for Waterford projects

Three heritage projects in County Waterford are to receive over €69,000 in Heritage Grant funding.

The funding of €69,788 was announced by Government Chief Whip & Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD,who said the money will be provided under the Heritage Council’s Community Heritage Grant Scheme.

Minister Butler stated: “The Community Heritage Grant Scheme is an annual initiative that supports community groups, voluntary organisations and non-governmental organisations to protect, share and celebrate heritage at a local level. It enables groups to continue existing projects or to develop new initiatives that enhance community engagement."

“Funding is available for a broad range of activities, including conservation management plans, conservation works on buildings and biodiversity sites, skills-based workshops and training, collections management, biodiversity initiatives, digital resources and the purchase of specialised conservation equipment," she said.

“I am really pleased to see the Waterford Tallow Church Renovation Group receive €25,000 for Phase 3 of roof repair and refurbishment works at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Tallow. Truly a beautiful, historic building and a very worthwhile project," she added.

Commenting on the other projects due to receive support she said: "Another unique and striking church, St Anne’ s Church of Ireland, Cappoquin, will receive €20,288."

Cappoquin Community Development Co Ltd secured that funding for a Conservation Report.

“Finally, Waterford, Cheekpoint and Faithlegg Development Group Voices of the Estuary has been allocated €20,288 for a digital archive preservation project," she said.

"I want to commend these community groups for the work they continue to undertake on behalf of their locality," she added.

"It is due to their hard work and diligence that this funding is being provided for Waterford."

Across the country 129 community heritage projects have been awarded €2,067,260 funding under the grant scheme.

Following a competitive call for applications in March, the Heritage Council received hundreds of submissions from heritage volunteers, community groups and organisations demonstrating strong public engagement with Ireland’s shared heritage.

"I want to thank my colleague Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, for the great work he is doing in this space," said Minister Butler.

"He has a genuine passion for empowering local communities to protect and celebrate their heritage," she added.

"Safeguarding our shared heritage for the future requires active dedication, from preserving historic architecture to archiving personal histories. These vital initiatives ensure our past is not only protected but remains openly accessible to inspire generations to come."