The 2023 Community Monuments Fund has been launched by Malcolm Noonan, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform.
€6 million will be invested in next year’s Community Monuments Fund helping owners and custodians of archaeological monuments to safeguard them into the future.
The Community Monuments Fund was first established as part of the 2020 July Jobs Stimulus with an investment of €1.15 million supporting 71 projects. This significant increase in funding for the scheme reflects the positive impact of the Fund over the last 3 years. It is estimated that the funding for 2023 will support approximately 120 projects nationwide.
The core aims of the Community Monuments Fund are to conserve, maintain, protect and promote local monuments and historic sites. Funding is available to allow conservation works to be carried out on monuments which are deemed to be significant and in need of urgent support. The aim is to encourage access to monuments and improve their presentation and also build their resilience to enable them to withstand the effects of climate change. The fund supports essential repairs and capital conservation and access works at archaeological monuments and also the development of Conservation Management Plans to identify any measures that may be needed to conserve monuments. Grants are also available to enhance public access infrastructure and interpretation at archaeological monuments.
Visiting the Community Monuments Fund supported conservation works at Dysart Enos Church Ratheniska, with Chris Corlett of the National Monuments Service, October 2022. Pictured with community members Liam Wall, James Deegan and Jane Wall are Conservation Architect Ricard McLoughlin, Chris Corlett and Archaeologist Colm Flynn. Stone work by Damien Condon, Calx Conservation.
Speaking today, Minister Noonan said:
“I am delighted to announce a €6 million Community Monuments Fund for 2023. With the excellent collaborative partnership between Local Authorities and our National Monuments Service, the 2022 Fund produced an extraordinary level of community engagement, traditional skills opportunities, and protection of our heritage. We are very pleased that we are able to grow this support in 2023 to support over 120 projects. The grant assistance to local authorities, private owners and communities in the maintenance, protection and promotion of local monuments and historic sites in private ownership is an acknowledgement of the important role of our heritage and of those who work so tirelessly to care for it.”
Minister Noonan added:
“We must do what we can to support the protection of our vulnerable archaeological heritage, to celebrate it and make it accessible to all. In doing so, we deliver clearly on commitments under our new national heritage plan, Heritage Ireland 2030. I would like to thank all of those communities and Local Authorities for their continued interest in the protection of archaeological monuments across the country. This investment will help to ensure that our archaeological heritage continues to enrich all of our lives.”
Finished conservation works at Rahin Church Ballylinan, supported by the Community Monuments Fund 2022. Pictured are (L-R) Chris Corlett National Monuments Service, Colm Flynn Archaeologist, Aoife Howard, David Kelly Partnership Engineers, Jethro Sheen, Sheenstone stone masons.
The community monuments fund is managed in Laois by Laois County Council. The closing date for applications for the 2023 round of grants is 14 February 2023. Full details and application forms here.
Previous projects funded by the Community Monuments Fund in Laois include:
Conservation of Rahin Church, Ballylinan
Conservation of Dysart Enos Church
Conservation Plan for Ballyadams Castle
Conservation Plan for Clonreher Castle
Research into the archaeological landscape of the Great Heath
Site visit to Baunaghra Medieval Church, conservation plan supported by the Community Monuments Fund 2022. Pictured (l-r) Catherine Casey, Heritage Officer, Laois County Council, Chris Corlett National Monuments Service, Fintan Dunne Conservation Architect and Seamus Costigan, Landowner, Behind the camera – Colm Flynn Archaeologist
Over €63,000 funding for biodiversity projects in Laois has been announced by Minister Malcolm Noonan through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund.
The Laois Wetland Survey continues this year, with field survey underway by consultant ecologists Wetland Surveys Ireland of these crucially important sites for biodiversity and climate change.
Laois Heritage Officer Catherine Casey, Patrick Crushell, Wetland Surveys Ireland; Barbara Bermingham, Anna Rothwell and Willie Crowley, Wetland Surveys Ireland at the Ridge of Capard for the Wetlands of Laois Walk. Picture: Alf Harvey.
The Laois County Council awareness-raising campaign on Midlands 103 radio continues in partnershi p with Offaly and Westmeath County Councils;
Catherine Casey, Heritage Officer with Laois County Council said “We are working with the Irish Wildlife Trust Laois/Offaly Branch on a project to install next boxes for birds and roost boxes for bats as well as some community awareness-raising at Timahoe Monastic Site. We are also delighted that additional funding made available this year allowed us to work in partnership with the Laois County Council Environmental Awareness office and the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce to deliver an Choill Bheag, tiny native woodlands at three Portlaoise School campuses (Holy Family campus, Scoil Bhríde and Summerhill Campus) and at Laois Education Centre, as part of the Portlaoise Low-Carbon own initiative.”
Full details of all biodiversity projects funded nationally by Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are here
Ricky Whelan and Anne Sundermann of Irish Wildlife Trust Laois Offaly Branch planning biodiversity enhancement at Timahoe Monastic Site
A new Conservation Advice Pilot Grant Scheme has been announced by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The scheme is open to owners of properties on the Record of Protected Structures. Successful applicants will receive conservation advice including maintenance guidelines and suggested repairs and improvements to enhance the building’s character, integrity, and amenity. A summary of the scheme is provided below.
The scheme will provide grants of €3,000 (ex. VAT) to cover the cost of having a conservation-accredited architect visit a protected structure, conduct a survey, and compile tailored conservation advice for the property owner. The report will suggest a maintenance schedule for the building, and outline repairs and improvements which would enhance the building’s character, integrity, and amenity.
The aim of the scheme is to help owners of protected structures to understand the value and potential of the architectural heritage of their buildings, and to prompt them to consider investments which could enhance that value, whether funded privately or through conservation grants.
Abbeyleix Heritage House and Fountain. Picture: Alf Harvey.
Applicants must complete the form below and submit it to builtheritage@housing.gov.ie by Friday, September 30th using the subject line ‘Conservation Advice Pilot Scheme’. Alternatively, applicants may submit their form by post to Conservation Advice Pilot Scheme, Built Heritage Policy Unit, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, 1.06 Custom House, D01 W6X0 by the same date.
Successful applicants will be selected by lottery and provided by the Department with a list of conservation architects participating in the scheme. The applicant will then select an architect from the list and arrange a site visit. The completed report will be provided to both the building owner and the Department. The Department will use the reports only for the purpose of approving the grant payment, in line with the Data Privacy Statement attached. The Department will make grant payments directly to the architect on receipt and approval of the required Conservation Advice and invoice.
The 2021 Laois Short Film Bursary was awarded to Swandive Productions for their short film Superhuman. The film explores universal themes, with a micro lens on para-athletics and being black and living in Ireland. After being rejected from professional football and diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease, an African-Irish secondary school student is guided towards para-athletics and a new identity. It showcases a young person overcoming great challenges, as well as people giving support to those who need it most. It is a pertinent film and sheds light on new types of narratives and the lives of those that often go unseen.
The successful team awarded the bursary were writer/director Mícheál Fleming from The Swan and producer Michael-David McKernan. Superhuman went into production in Laois from 25 – 27 March, 2022.
‘Superhuman’ writer/director Mícheál Fleming with actor Aaron Edo on location at St Abbans Athletic Club, Monavea, Crettyard. Picture: Alf Harvey
Laois Arts Officer and Creative Ireland Coordinator Muireann Ní Chonaill said:
“I am delighted that the fruits of Laois’s inaugural short film bursary are to be screened at the Dunamaise Arts Centre. I would like to congratulate Michéal Fleming and Michael-David McKernan from Swandive Productions for their film ‘Superhuman’. We in Laois County Council are keen to support film and filmmakers and foster talent, creativity and activity in filmmaking in the county. ‘Superhuman’ is testament to the incredible talent that exists within the county, exploring new narratives through film, and showcasing the county as an ideal location for film projects. This Laois premiere screening is a free event and all are welcome to join us for the screening.”
The inaugural Laois Short Film Bursary was launched in July 2021 and film teams across the country submitted scripts as part of the application process. Key criteria for eligibility is that one of the core creative team (Writer/Director/Producer) must be from or living in Laois, and that the film is made in Laois.
“I’m beyond proud to screen ‘Superhuman’ at the Dunamaise Arts Centre on Friday, 15 July, 7pm. ‘Superhuman’ and my other film ‘Croí’ have been selected for their world premiere at Galway Film Fleadh in advance of the Laois screening, with both films having strong Laois contingents amongst the crew and also filmed in Laois. Part of Superhuman was filmed a few hundred metres down the road from the Dunamaise Arts Centre at Portlaoise College. I’m delighted to get to showcase Laois and the hard work everyone put in to these films.”
Filming of ‘Superhuman’ at St Abbans Athletic Club, Monavea, Crettyard Picture: Alf Harvey
The cast involved in Superhuman are Aaron Edo who most recently filmed the role of Tecky alongside Aidan Gillen in the feature film ‘Barber,’ and the role of Jonner alongside Angeline Ball in the Screen Ireland-backed feature film ‘Deadly Cuts’, directed by Rachel Carey.
Esosa Ighodaro is recogisable for her TV roles in ‘Harry Wild’, ‘Kin’, ‘Smother’, ‘Taken Down’ (2018) and Irish drama film ‘Rose Plays Julie’. Aoibhinn McGinnity, well known for her role in Love/Hate, and John Cronin, a regular on Fair City.
Superhuman producer Michael-David McKernan said,
“It’s so exciting for us to be back in Laois for the screening of ‘Superhuman’. The film was made with the support of countless Laois locals and we can’t wait to share the fruits of our labour with the community. We are also delighted that two of our cast, Aaron Edo and Esosa Ighodaro will join us for this special Laois screening. ”
The ‘Superhuman’ screening takes place at Dunamaise Arts Centre, Friday 15 July, 7pm. It is free but booking is essential. Ring the box office at 057 866 3355 or book online at www.dunamaise.ie. ‘Superhuman’ is supported by Creative Ireland Laois as part of the Creative Ireland Programme in partnership with Laois County Council. And in association with The Film Fund and Maestro Filmworks.
The third round of the Laois Short Film Bursary Award will be open to writers, directors and producers early in 2023. Requirements include submitting a high quality script / screenplay that reflects aspects of Irish experience across different generations, gender, ethnicities, class and landscapes, and is situated in Co Laois. For more information contact the Arts Office, Laois County Council at artsoff@laoiscoco.ie and/or follow Creative Ireland Laois on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
‘Superhuman’ writer/director Mícheál Fleming with actor Aaron Edo on location at St Abbans Athletic Club, Monavea, Crettyard. Picture: Alf Harvey
Laois County Council – Creative Ireland Laois is seeking artists to create and deliver a programme of activities/ events to celebrate Cruinniú na nÓg on Saturday 11 June, 2022.
We are inviting applications from creative practitioners, artists, and art organisations /groups (including a team of creative practitioners) who have the capacity to devise, facilitate and deliver creative content and activities for children and young people in any medium or artform (examples include theatre, music, circus, street art, performance, fashion, photography, digital arts, installation art, literature, storytelling, architecture, coding, biodiversity, folklife, heritage, archaeology, landscape), in specific town or village in Laois.
For full details, guidelines and application form, click here
Laois County Council Arts Office is pleased to present In Trust. In Gratitude. In Hope. 10 Years at the Laois Arthouse, an exhibition featuring the work of over 60 artists who have been part of the Laois Arthouse programme since its establishment in 2011. Open to the public and school & special group visits until Fri 27 May.
The Equipment Grant Scheme is for creative and cultural individuals and/or groups living and operating in Laois. The grant can be used only for the purchase of equipment that contributes to creative and cultural activities within Laois. A maximum grant of €1000 only will be awarded to an individual or group.
Deadline for submissions of applications is 4pm on Thursday, March 24
The ‘Made in Laois’ Grant Scheme aims to bring together a creative practitioner / organisation and collaborate with a local community / communities of place and interest. The grant scheme is only for co-creation and collaborative initiatives that contribute to creative and cultural activities within Laois. The amount awarded will be based on the quality of application with a maximum grant of €2000
per successful application.
Deadline for submissions of applications is 4pm on Monday, March 21
This Award aims to foster talent, creativity and activity in filmmaking in County Laois. We are looking for original, entertaining stories by talented filmmakers who, if selected, must set and shoot their project in County Laois. A grant of €10,000 will be awarded to a filmmaker towards the cost of production of a short drama or documentary film of 10-12 minutes duration to be shot in Laois in
2022.
Deadline for submissions of applications is 4pm on Friday, April 8.
The Community Monuments Fund will have €5 million in 2022 to invest in archaeological heritage and help owners and custodians of archaeological monuments to safeguard them into the future for the benefit of communities and the public.
Old St Peter’s Church and Graveyard in Portlaoise benefitted from funding under the Community Monuments Fund in 2021
Core Aims of the Fund
The core aims of this Fund are the conservation, maintenance, protection and presentation of archaeological monuments. It will:
enable conservation works to be carried out on monuments which are deemed to be significant and in need of urgent support
build resilience in our monuments to enable them to withstand the effects of climate change
encourage access to monuments and improve their presentation.
Project promoters are encouraged to incorporate a traditional skills training element in projects.
Streams 1-3
The Community Monuments Fund has 3 Streams:
Stream 1 will offer grants up to €85,000 aimed at essential repairs and capital works for the conservation and repair of archaeological monuments
Stream 2 will offer 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.
Stream 3 will offer grants of up to €30,000 for enhancement of access infrastructure and interpretation (including virtual/online) at archaeological monuments (including COVID 19 public health measures).
Eligible Projects
The Community Monuments Fund provides funding for projects in relation to:
Archaeological Monuments that are included in the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) under the National Monuments Act 1930 (as amended)
Archaeological Monuments that are identified in the Sites and Monuments Record compiled by the National Monuments Service.
Eligible projects will be drawn from the following categories:
projects proposed by a Local Authority in relation to archaeological monuments in public ownership , where a clear heritage focus and community or public benefit has been demonstrated
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.
Killabban Medieval Church was conserved by the community the the help of the Community Monuments Fund in 2020 and 2021
How to Apply
Application Form A below should be submitted to Laois County Council by Tuesday 15th February 2022.
Laois County Council in partnership with the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage is inviting applications for grants for the conservation of architectural heritage and archaeological monuments in 2022
Community Monuments Fund 2022
The Community Monuments Fund will enable conservation works to be carried out on monuments which are deemed to be significant and in need of urgent support; build resilience in our monuments to enable them to withstand the effects of climate change; encourage access to monuments and improve their presentation. The Community Monuments Fund has 3 Streams relating to conservation works, conservation plans, and improving access and interpretation.
The closing date for applications under the Community Monuments Fund is 15th February 2022.
Applications to Laois County Council are invited for the following schemes:
Historic Structures Fund:
Stream 1: Grants from €15,000 to €50,000 for essential repairs and smaller capital works, with separate streams for Historic Shopfronts, Irish language Shopfronts and Vernacular Structures.
Stream 2: Grants from €50,000 to €200,000 for larger projects involving historic structures, with a clear community or public benefit
Built Heritage Investment Scheme:
For ongoing repair and conservation of properties on the Record of Protected Structures or within Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs). Grants at 50% ranging from €2,500 to €15,000.
All works must be planned and overseen by qualified and experienced conservation professionals. Applications must be accompanied by a Method Statement. Applicants cannot avail of funding under both schemes in the same year.
The closing date for applications under Architectural Conservation Grant schemes is 31st January 2022.
Laois County Library Service and Laois Heritage Office are delighted to announce that work is commencing on the Ronnie Mathews Archive Collection. The collection, acquired earlier this year by Laois County Council, was compiled by the late Ronnie Mathews, a well-known and highly respected local historian and author from Portarlington. The collection contains records and artefacts relating to the history of Portarlington and environs including maps, photographs, business records and much more. It reflects the original collector’s knowledge and passion for local history, from the earliest times to recent years.
With items from the Ronnie Mathews Collection at Bloom HQ Mountrath, from left: Orla Connaughton, Archivist; Catherine Casey, Laois Heritage Officer; Bernie Foran, Laois County Librarian; Tim Mathews, son of Ronnie Mathews; Dom Reddin, LCC Tourism Officer and Sinead Holland, LCC Librarian Local Studies. The project is supported by Creative Ireland Laois as part of the Creative Ireland Programme (2017-2022) in partnership with Laois County Council. Picture: Alf Harvey.
With items from the Ronnie Mathews Collection at Bloom HQ Mountrath, from left: Orla Connaughton, Archivist; Catherine Casey, Laois Heritage Officer; Bernie Foran, Laois County Librarian; Tim Mathews, son of Ronnie Mathews; Dom Reddin, LCC Tourism Officer and Sinead Holland, LCC Librarian Local Studies. The project is supported by Creative Ireland Laois as part of the Creative Ireland Programme (2017-2022) in partnership with Laois County Council.
Picture: Alf Harvey.
This important local collection will now be processed in conjunction with Eneclann, Ireland’s leading history and heritage company. Professional archivist, Orlagh Connaughton, will list, describe and physically reorganise the collection contents to facilitate future access and display. This collaboration between Laois Heritage Office and Laois County Library Service is supported by Creative Ireland Laois, as part of the Creative Ireland Programme (2017-2022) in partnership with Laois County Council.
Tim Mathews, son of the late Ronnie Mathews said “I think it’s great news that a start is being made on archiving my Dad’s collection. He was born and lived all of his life in Portarlington, and loved the town, and spent over half of his lifetime collecting and researching items relevant to the town and county. He would be very proud and honoured by Laois County Council’s acquisition of his collection. Everything in the collection is original, be it maps, letters, photos, postcards, etc., and many items are well over 100 years old. Archiving these material and preparing them for future display to the public will give people an insight into life in the town over the last few centuries.”
With the Ronnie Mathews Collection at Bloom HQ Mountrath, from left: Tim Mathews, son of Ronnie Mathews; Sinead Holland, LCC Librarian Local Studies; Catherine Casey, Laois Heritage Officer and Dom Reddin, LCC Tourism Officer. The project is supported by Creative Ireland Laois as part of the Creative Ireland Programme (2017-2022) in partnership with Laois County Council. Picture: Alf Harvey.
With the Ronnie Mathews Collection at Bloom HQ Mountrath, from left: Tim Mathews, son of Ronnie Mathews; Sinead Holland, LCC Librarian Local Studies; Catherine Casey, Laois Heritage Officer and Dom Reddin, LCC Tourism Officer. The project is supported by Creative Ireland Laois as part of the Creative Ireland Programme (2017-2022) in partnership with Laois County Council.
Picture: Alf Harvey.
Ronnie Mathews collected documents, maps and artefacts relating to Portarlington over his whole life, with the collection also including some items collected by his father. JT Mathews, established in 1866, was a bakery, confectionary, tea rooms, hardware and general provisions, and was in business for over 130 years. Ledgers and account books from the business shed a fascinating light on many aspects of life in Portarlington in the past and are also part of the collection. Among the interesting artefacts are a series of glass plate negatives showing all aspects of Irish life dating from around 1910; a cannon ball reputed to be from the site of Lea Castle outside Portarlington; and a hand painted chess board with the crest of the Dawson family of Emo Court. Materials also include a map of Patrick Street dated 1889 and a large collection of postcards by Wynne of Portarlington -showing Portlaoise (formerly known as Maryborough), Mountmellick, Monasterevin and more.
Laois County Librarian Bernie Foran said “Acquiring archives is an important first step in preventing loss of memory, but processing of archives is an essential step in ensuring that memory is shared and lives on. By processing the collection to the highest archival standards, Laois County Library Service ensures that this remarkable local collection can be accessed by this generation and preserved for the generations to come.”
With the Ronnie Mathews Collection at Bloom HQ Mountrath, from left: Tim Mathews, son of Ronnie Mathews; Bernie Foran, Laois County Librarian and Orla Connaughton, Archivist. The project is supported by Creative Ireland Laois as part of the Creative Ireland Programme (2017-2022) in partnership with Laois County Council. Picture: Alf Harvey.
With the Ronnie Mathews Collection at Bloom HQ Mountrath, from left: Tim Mathews, son of Ronnie Mathews; Bernie Foran, Laois County Librarian and Orla Connaughton, Archivist. The project is supported by Creative Ireland Laois as part of the Creative Ireland Programme (2017-2022) in partnership with Laois County Council. Picture: Alf Harvey.
Over the coming months the collection will be carefully archived and catalogued, and arrangements made for any necessary conservation, as well as preparing materials to be made available for research and for future display as part of Laois Local Studies.
Laois Local Studies was established to collect, preserve and make available for reference, material relating to the history and heritage of County Laois. It is home to the Laois Collection, a specialist collection on the local, social, political, economic and geographic history of the county. A dedicated member of staff is available to assist and support members of the public with their research and queries. The collection and service are open to all by appointment. Laois Local Studies is part of the Laois County Library Service, funded and governed by Laois County Council. Further information at www. laoislocalstudies.ie and/or 057 8594985.
