Funding granted for eight archaeological heritage projects in Cork

The funding will enable conservation works, improve presentation, and it is hoped build resilience

Templebreedy Graveyard near, Crosshaven, will see improved signage to the sum of €29,790. Picture: Wikipedia

Eight archaeological heritage projects in Cork County are set to receive over €420,000 in funding which will enable conservation works and improve presentation.

It is also hoped that the funding will build resilience in monuments, enabling them to better withstand the effects of climate change.

Successful Co Cork projects include five archaeological sites owned by Cork County Council.

St Mary’s Collegiate Church in Youghal will receive €100,000, and Kilgullane Church and Graveyard in Fermoy will receive €82,396.65 for conservation works.

Both Bandon Town Wall and Castlefreke Church of Ireland in Rathbarry, will receive €30,000 respectively, also for conservation works.

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St Mary’s Collegiate Church in Youghal will receive €100,000.

And Templebreedy Graveyard near, Crosshaven, will see improved signage to the sum of €29,790.

A further three archaeological sites in the county will also receive funding. Castleview Mills Complex near Clonakilty will receive €100,000 for conservation works.

Saint Colman’s Cathedral in Cloyne will benefit from a conservation management plan to the sum of €30,000, and Saint Abbán’s Ecclesiastical Site in Baile Bhuirne will also receive a conservation management plan worth €19,680.

The funding has been allocated by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage under the 2024 Community Monuments Fund and will be administered locally by Cork County Council.

The fund was originally established in 2020 to conserve, maintain, protect, and promote local archaeological monuments and historic sites.

Welcoming the allocations, Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Frank O’Flynn said: “Since it first commenced, the Community Monuments Fund has supported some excellent projects in Co Cork.

St Colman’s Cathedral in Cloyne. Picture: John Armagh/Wikipedia

“Not only does the scheme support the upkeep of the county’s precious archaeological heritage, it also encourages local groups to get involved.

“The awarding of over €400,000 under this year’s scheme will support some excellent projects.”

Cork County Council CEO  Valerie O’Sullivan added: “This year’s Community Monuments Fund allocation for eight different projects hints at the depth of archaeological heritage in the county, supporting projects from churches and to an industrial mill complex amongst others.

“Since 2020, the county has seen an investment of over €1.33m through the scheme and it will continue to support the preservation of some 19,000 archaeological monuments in the county of Cork.”