Four Laois monuments receive €484,000 for conservation
Ballyadams Castle is one of the momumnents earmarked for funding
FOUR Laois monuments are set to be protected under the 2026 Community Monuments Fund (CMF).
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne (FF) and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan (FF) announced on Thursday 16 April that a total of €484,149.84 will be granted to four Laois projects under the CMF.
These grants will assist the owners and custodians of archaeological monuments to safeguard them and improve access. The funding is part of an overall fund of over €8 million, which has been awarded to 104 heritage projects nationally.
Deputy Browne commended Ireland’s network of heritage professionals and acknowledged the work of the National Monuments Service “for their diligence, dedication and hard work in managing this fund.” He continued: “I would also like to recognise the local authorities and their heritage professionals for their immense work in administering these awards and for their overall crucial role in heritage protection and promotion.” This year sees an overall increase in grant funding available through the scheme, up from €7.5m in 2025. Minister O’Sullivan commented on the scheme’s impact: “I’m delighted to be continuing the positive funding trajectory for archaeological heritage with the increase of this year’s CMF.
“The CMF is a hugely impactful grants scheme that supports custodians to protect and restore the towers, graveyards, churches, castles, forts and other monuments that are valued so highly by communities all over the county.
“As minister for heritage, I would like to offer my sincere thanks to the individuals and community groups in Laois who have stepped up to care for their local monuments and volunteered their time, energy and enthusiasm to ensure their conservation.
“I wish all of the award recipients the best of luck in rolling out their projects and I look forward to seeing the progress for myself in the coming months and years.” Projects in Laois awarded funding this year include Tankardstown church (€130,000), Clonreher Castle (€129,823.15), Tubberboe church ruins (€100,000) and Ballyadams Castle (€124,326.69).
