Water heritage grants awarded in Waterford

Waterford has received funding of €1,052 in grants for Water Heritage Day events in the county celebrating our waterbodies as part of National Heritage Week.

On Monday, August 18, the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), working on behalf of Ireland’s 31 local authorities to protect and restore good water quality, awarded €1,052 to events in Waterford as part of an overall €30,665.25 funding package for 82 events in 24 counties, under the ‘Water Heritage Day Grants Scheme 2025’.

Under the grants scheme, local communities and groups were invited to apply for financial assistance to support the delivery of events and initiatives celebrating Water Heritage Day on Sunday, August 24.

The day celebrates water throughout Ireland, its history and heritage, and our connections with it. Projects approved for funding in Waterford this year include: Tides & Tales Maritime Community Project - three events - St. John’s Pill – Waterford’s Victorian Thoroughfare; Ballyhack Millstones  and Reclaiming an Irish Way of St James (€287); Street Art Ink - Floating Voices Maritime Heritage Walking Tour (€375) and Clashmore Kinsalebeg Community Council - River themed activities for children and parents in our community (€390).

Minister of State with responsibility for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD welcomed the announcement: “The Water Heritage Day Grants Scheme gives communities and groups across Ireland the opportunity to organise events that celebrate and raise awareness about their local waterbodies. This grants scheme is an investment in the protection and restoration of good water quality nationwide."

"It allows people to create connections with their rivers, lakes, streams, wetlands and coastal waters in new and innovative ways," said Minister O'Sullivan.

Held in partnership with The Heritage Council, Water Heritage Day takes place as part of National Heritage Week 2025, which until August 24. The theme of Heritage Week 2025 is 'Exploring Our Foundations'.

As part of Heritage Week there are awards for events held throughout the week. 

Anyone holding a Water Heritage Day event can submit their event to be considered for a Water Heritage Award. More information on the awards can be found at www.heritageweek.ie/awards