People of Waterford encouraged to apply for heart-warming 'Adopt a Monument' Scheme

Community groups in Waterford are being encouraged to apply and join the Heritage Council’s 'Adopt a Monument' scheme, which is all about empowering local communities to become involved in the care and conservation of a much-loved local monument.

The scheme offers communities expertise, mentoring and support, to help them to care for their local heritage.

The Knockboy Church and Graveyard in Waterford was ‘adopted’ by the Knockboy Church Conservation Group in 2017 to secure funding from the Heritage Council for vital conservation works.

The church is a fine example of a medieval parish church located in a rural setting, in County Waterford. The property  is highly significant, as it contains a number of important ogham stones.

Knockboy is one of three historic sites in Co Waterford that have taken part in the 'Adopt a Monument' scheme. The other sites are two Anglo Norman mottes - one at Roundhill in Lismore and the other site is at Gallowshill in Dungarvan.

Since the scheme first began in 2016, 30 groups across Ireland have ‘adopted’ monuments in their locality ranging from ring forts to 19th century industrial buildings to medieval churches as well as a Gaelic castle.

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All over Ireland there is an incredible variety of heritage sites, including ancient tombs, stone circles, early monasteries, castles, churches and graveyards, landed estates, mines, kilns, mills, traditional houses and battlefields.

The 'Adopt a Monument' initiative takes a very broad view of heritage and is open to applications from enthusiastic community groups all over Ireland to apply.

The aim is that the chosen monument will serve as a focal point for heritage-related, educational and recreational activities and will encourage greater appreciation and understanding of local heritage.

Speaking in support of the scheme is Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, who said, “The 'Adopt a Monument' Scheme is a wonderful way of ensuring our monuments remain an integral part of a community. Maintaining them and caring for them requires much-needed expertise and resources which is exactly what the scheme provides.

"We can already see the positive effect the scheme has had on the areas where a monument was adopted, and the pride of place and increased civic value brought about the efforts of our dedicated community groups is very satisfying to see,” she added.

The Heritage Council is now calling for interested groups to apply for the scheme. The closing date for applications Friday, March 21. Further information about the scheme and the application process can be found here.