Independent TD urges community groups to make Heritage grant applications

Independent TD for Offaly Carol Nolan has strongly encouraged community groups to consider making an application to the Community Heritage grant scheme before the deadline of Friday, March 14.

Deputy Nolan said that the scheme is open to all voluntary and community groups including parish councils, Tidy Towns groups and Local Action Groups.

“I regularly receive correspondence and engage in meetings with community groups of all kinds who are trying to access funding to support their wonderful projects. This is one such opportunity that I am encouraging all of them to avail of.

“We have an amazing and rich cultural history both locally in Offaly and nationally and this scheme supports that for groups engaged in heritage projects- built, natural, and cultural to a maximum amount available per organisation of €25,000.

“The Minister has informed me that a broad range of project types are eligible for funding under the scheme including workshops and training events that promote good heritage practice, including traditional building skills, craft skills, graveyard recording.

“The funding can also be accessed to develop Digital Heritage Resources including digitisation, online exhibitions, oral history recordings, podcasts, and films that are publicly accessible.

“Those who wish to engage in conservation surveys, reports, plans, and audits that will inform the future management of buildings and monuments can also apply to purchase specialised equipment or items that support our heritage,” Deputy Nolan said.

All groups wishing to make an application can contact the Heritage Council for assistance to queries and an application pack at grants@heritagecouncil.ie.