Seven Kilkenny sites to receive hundreds of thousands in funding

The awarding of over €460,000 in funding to seven Kilkenny projects was announced by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD on Thursday under the 2026 Community Monument Fund.

The funding is part of an overall fund of over €8 million awarded to 104 heritage projects nationally with grants helping owners and custodians of archaeological monuments to safeguard them into the future and improve access.

The funding categories are split into three streams with the first of these offering grants up to €100,000 aimed at essential repairs and capital works for the conservation and repair of archaeological monuments while exceptional projects may be awarded up to €130,000.

The Kilkenny projects in this stream are St Catherine’s Church, St Colman’s Church and Kellymount Church and Graveyard which all received the maximum of €130,000.

The second stream awards 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.

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Coolagh Church and Graveyard is set to receive €20,258.73 with Fiddown Church and Graveyard awarded €22,561.29.

The third stream gives grants of up to €30,000 for enhancement of access infrastructure and interpretation (including virtual/online) at archaeological monuments.

Clomantagh Church and Graveyard was awarded €7,921.20 while Tubrid Church and Graveyard will receive €22,189.20 in this category.

Minister Browne commended the network of heritage professionals whose stewardship makes the scheme successful each year.

“I want to acknowledge the work of the National Monuments Service of my Department for their diligence, dedication and hard work in managing this fund,” he said. 

“I would also like to recognise the Local Authorities and their heritage professionals for their immense work in administering these awards and for their overall crucial role in heritage protection and promotion.”

“The €8 million I’m announcing today under this year’s Community Monuments Fund will help 104 heritage projects across the country, supporting custodians and communities and ensuring the protection of our archaeological heritage as a community asset for our collective benefit,” he added.

With an overall increase in grant funding available through the Community Monuments Scheme this year, Minister O’Sullivan commented on the impact of the scheme.

“I’m delighted to be continuing the positive funding trajectory for archaeological heritage with the increase of this year’s Community Monuments Fund to just over €8 million, a step up from €7.5 in 2025.”

“As Minister for Heritage, I would like to offer my sincere thanks to individuals and community groups who have stepped up to care for their local monuments and volunteered their time, energy and enthusiasm to ensure their conservation,” he concluded.

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Article funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme