Meath Monuments set to receive over €250,000 in project grants
By Eoin Ryan
€257,822 is set to be invested into four projects supporting Meath archaeological monuments as part of the 2025 Community Monuments Fund.
Minister for Heritage, James Browne TD, and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, announced that €7.5 million will be invested into 122 projects under the 2025 Community Monuments fund.
The Community Monuments Fund was set up to support initiatives that conserve, maintain, protect and promote local monuments and historic sites across Ireland. The largest investments for Meath are €120,000 for Ardcath Church and €100,000 towards St Patrick’s Cathedral in Trim. Kilberry Church and Graveyard is also set to receive €19,864 and €17,958 will be invested into Old Athlumney Church and Graveyard in Navan.
“The importance of our archaeological heritage cannot be overstated and this fund has a very real and profound impact on the custodians and communities in our cities, villages, towns and countryside,” Minister for Heritage James Browne TD said.
“I sincerely thank the owners of archaeological monuments for their dedication to the preservation of our wonderful heritage. This investment will ensure that our built heritage can continue to be enjoyed by local and visiting communities, as well as acting to create work and preserve important traditional skills in towns and villages right across Ireland.”
Minister of State Christopher O’Sullivan said this initiative “not only preserves our rich heritage but also strengthens the connection between our communities and their history creating opportunities for education and tourism.
“Since this fund was first introduced in 2020, it has invested €25.5 million in communities nationwide. It is now a bedrock of our support for archaeological heritage across the country helping conserve buildings as varied as churches, round towers, castles, forts, barracks and abbeys.
“The quality of applications for the fund for 2025 has been extraordinary and I wish all of the award recipients, including the many spearheaded by local communities, the best of luck in rolling out their projects.”
Cllr Padraig Fitzsimons has welcomed the allocation for Old Athlumney Church and Graveyard.
“As someone who has helped many families inter their loved ones in Old Athlumney graveyard, I particularly know the importance of this historical cemetery to the people of Navan.
“It is such an important historical graveyard and the church walls are also well preserved.
“The local committee have done such great work in keeping the graveyard in good order and it forms part of a wider historical footprint with Athlumney Castle as well as the Motte and Bailey.
“I think this kind of conservation work on our heritage sites is critical and is so appreciated by the people of the area.” he said.
To be eligible for a grant, the projects must be:
1. In relation to archaeological monuments in public ownership , where a clear heritage focus and community or public benefit has been demonstrated
2. 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 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.
3. 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.
The Scheme will open for 2026 applications in September of this year.