Protecting Our Heritage: National Community Monument Fund Announced

The National Monuments Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is proud to announce the launch of the National Community Monument Fund 2025. This initiative is dedicated to the conservation, maintenance, protection, and presentation of archaeological monuments across Ireland. With a total funding of €7.4 million available nationally, the Community Monuments Fund aims to support urgent conservation works on significant monuments, build resilience against climate change impacts, and improve access and presentation for the public.

This funding is for private owners, custodians, community groups, Local Authorities and State-funded organisations involved in caring for and promoting our archaeological heritage.  This funding will enable owners and custodians of archaeological monuments to carry out necessary maintenance and repair works to protect these invaluable pieces of Ireland's history.

The Community Monuments Fund has 3 Streams:

• Stream 1 will offer grants up to €100,000 aimed at essential repairs and capital works for the conservation and repair of archaeological monuments
• Stream 2 will offer 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 will offer grants of up to €30,000 for enhancement of access infrastructure and interpretation (including virtual/) at archaeological monuments.

The Community Monuments Fund provides funding for projects in relation to:

• Archaeological Monuments that are included in the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) under the National Monuments Act 1930 (as amended)
• Archaeological Monuments that are identified in the Sites and Monuments Record compiled by the National Monuments Service.

Owners and custodians of archaeological monuments are encouraged to apply for funding under the Community Monuments Fund 2025 to ensure the preservation and promotion of these valuable cultural assets. The Community Monuments Fund is a vital resource for building resilience in our monuments and ensuring they remain accessible for the benefit of communities and the public. The closing date for applications to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is 31 January 2025. 

For more information about this fund and how you can apply, please view our website here or if you have queries please contact our Heritage Officer Deirdre Black at dblack@dlrcoco.ie