Waterford receives over €100,000 to protect archaeological sites and monuments

Minister of State for Heritage Malcolm Noonan TD, has announced that over €7.4 million will be awarded to 140 projects around the country through the 2024 Community Monuments Fund.

The essential funding is aimed at helping owners and custodians of local archaeological monuments to safeguard them in the future.

Three projects in Waterford featured in the list of sites receiving safeguarding funds, and are set to receive a total of €103,568. Historical buildings and sites had to apply individually for a chance at receiving the funding.

Projects awarded funding this year include Stradbally Church, which is receiving  €49,738, Woodstown which is allocated €28,000, and Christ Church Cathedral, receiving €25,830 as part of the funding.

Speaking on the new nationwide archaeological preservation funding, Minister of State Malcolm Noonan said he was "delighted that 140 projects across the country will be supported under this year’s €7.4m Community Monuments Fund."

"Since its inception in 2020, this fund has become a lifeline for the protection of Ireland’s irreplaceable archaeological heritage by revitalising hundreds of historic monuments in cities, towns, villages and rural communities across all 31 Local Authorities.

"Through this, it is enabling valuable investment in the wider heritage sector, creating thousands of hours of employment for specialist craftspeople and traditional skills practitioners, as well as supporting the achievement of national commitments under Heritage Ireland 2030 and the Climate Adaptation Plan for Built and Archaeological Heritage.”