Eight Cork heritage sites to benefit from funding

EIGHT important archaeological heritage projects in Cork are set to receive more than €420,000 from the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage, under the 2024 Community Monuments Fund.

Administered locally by Cork County Council, the fund was established in 2020 to conserve, maintain, protect, and promote local archaeological monuments and historic sites.

Five archaeological sites owned by Cork County Council are encompassed in the announcement, including conservation works at Bandon Town Wall, which will receive €30,000, St Mary’s Collegiate Church in Youghal, which will receive €100,000, works at Castlefreke Church of Ireland in Rathbarry, which will receive €30,000, conservation works at Kilgullane Church and Graveyard in Fermoy, which will receive €82,396.65, and Templebreedy Graveyard near Crosshaven, which will see improved access and signage to the sum of €29,720.

A further three sites in the county will receive funding, including conservation works at the Castleview Mills Complex near Clonakilty, which will receive €100,000, as well as two conservation management plans for Saint Abbán’s Ecclesiastical Site, in Baile Bhuirne, which will receive €19,680, and Saint Colman’s Cathedral in Cloyne which will receive €30,000.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Councillor Frank O’Flynn said: “Since it first commenced in 2020, the Community Monuments Fund has supported some excellent projects in County Cork.

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

Cork County Council chief executive Valerie O’Sullivan said: “This year’s Community Monuments Fund allocation for eight different projects hints at the depth of archaeological heritage in the county.”