Heritage projects in Waterford receive €69,717

Waterford projects are to receive €69,717 in funding under the Heritage Council’s, 2025 Community Heritage Grant Scheme.

In total, €1.9 million in funding has been allocated nationally to support heritage initiatives.

Four projects in Waterford secured the funding under the scheme as part of the Heritage Council's nationwide distribution to support 132 heritage initiatives across Ireland.

A spokesperson for the National Heritage Council told waterford-news.ie that the grants will enable local communities to conserve and celebrate Ireland’s built, cultural, and natural heritage.

The allocation follows a national call for applications in February, which attracted hundreds of proposals from heritage groups, volunteers, and community organisations across the country.

The funding recipients in Waterford are comprised of: Waterford & Suir Valley Railway - €25,000; Cheekpoint and Faithlegg Development Group - €15,068; Portlaw Heritage Centre - €4,649; Waterford County Museum - €25,000.

The €25,000 in funding awarded to Waterford & Suir Valley Railway will support its work to restore an industrial heritage goods crane. The aim of the group is to enhance its development and operation of a 10km section of the abandoned Waterford to Dungarvan Railway line from Kilmeadan Station to Bilberry, Waterford City.

Several funded initiatives will operate across Ireland including Bat Conservation Ireland, which was awarded €15,583 for the second phase of its 'Gardening for Bats' project; the Royal Dublin Society, received €19,491 for the preservation, digitisation, and cataloguing of the Lawrence Steele Egyptology Collection and the Irish Street Arts, Circus and Spectacle Network,  was granted €22,525 for its project on the oral histories of Irish show people.

"Projects such as these reflect the wide range of initiatives supported by the scheme, from safeguarding historic structures to researching local heritage, restoring habitats, and building biodiversity expertise within communities," said the NHC spokesperson.

All funded projects can begin work immediately and are expected to be completed by the end of the year. Previous recipients in Waterford used this funding to restore architectural features, digitise local archives and carry out conservation training.

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, said: “Community groups and heritage organisations do incredible work in preserving and our natural, cultural and built heritage for generations to come."

"From conserving historic buildings and graveyards, to digitising archives, restoring monuments and promoting biodiversity, these initiatives ensure that Ireland’s unique stories, traditions and places are protected for future generations," he said.

"I am inspired by the creativity and commitment shown by groups across the country and proud that this scheme continues to empower local communities to safeguard our heritage in all its forms," he added. 

Meanwhile, Dr. Martina Moloney, Chairperson of the Heritage Council added: "The Heritage Council is committed to empowering communities and ensuring that our shared heritage is preserved and celebrated by all."

"This scheme reflects that commitment, supporting a diverse range of projects - from conservation and skills training to research and interpretation - that might not otherwise receive funding," she said.

She also highlighted how initiatives like the Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme, Adopt a Monument and Heritage in Schools show how local engagement and national support can combine to deliver real, lasting benefits. 

"The Community Heritage Grant Scheme is a vital part of this approach, helping communities across Ireland protect the places, stories, and traditions that matter most to them," said Ms Moloney.

Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, said: “Through the Community Heritage Grant Scheme, we are proud to support the work of local groups who care deeply about their heritage and who are taking meaningful action to protect and promote it."

"Whether it’s restoring a local landmark, recording oral histories, or creating habitats for biodiversity, these projects have a tangible and lasting impact," she said.

"They strengthen local identity, drive tourism, and create opportunities for learning, connection, and employment. We see time and again how this scheme brings people together and builds pride of place across the country.”