Community Monuments Fund 2026
Community Monuments Fund 2026
Closing date: Friday 30th January 2026
The Community Monuments Fund was first established in 2020 to provide investment in Ireland’s archaeological heritage.
Funding is prioritised for local authorities, private owners and custodians and community groups for the care, conservation, maintenance, protection and promotion of archaeological monuments.
Total funding available nationally for projects under Community Monuments Fund 2026 will be €7,500,000.
The Community Monuments Fund invests in archaeological heritage and helps owners and custodians of archaeological monuments to safeguard them into the future for the benefit of communities and the public.
The impacts of climate change on our monuments is increasingly evident. With increased weathering and severe climate events, the repair cycle on built heritage is likely to become shorter. Increased maintenance and repair will be key to building resilience in our monuments to enable them to withstand the effects of a changing environment.
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.
The Department encourages project promoters 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 €100,000 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.
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.
How to Apply
Applications from landowners, land custodians and community groups within County Galway must be completed and submitted in Word Format to [email protected], Subject Line CMF2026 (+Project Name) by 30th January 2026. Applications received after this date will not be considered.
Further Advice
For further advice for applications in the County of Galway please contact:
Bernie Doherty, Galway Community Archaeologist [email protected] 086 100 3888
Marie Mannion, Galway County Heritage Officer [email protected] 087 908 8373
Ann Marie Cusack, Architectural Conservation Officer [email protected] 091 378 924
Closing date: Friday 30th January 2026
