Water heritage projects in Cork get a funding boost

Almost €2,000 in funding has been allocated for events celebrating Cork’s water heritage.

The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), working on behalf of Ireland’s 31 local authorities to protect and restore good water quality, is awarding €1,935 to events in Cork, taking place throughout National Heritage Week.

Under the grants scheme, local communities and groups were invited to apply for financial assistance to support the delivery of events and initiatives celebrating Water Heritage Day on August 24.

Water Heritage Day celebrates water throughout Ireland, its history and heritage and our connections with it.

Projects approved for funding in Cork include the Ellen Hutchins Festival, which was allocated €385; the Cork River Alliance Poster project, advocating for more awareness of biodiversity in Cork rivers, which was allocated €400; the Bantry Marine Activity Centre (BMAC), which was allocated €400; the Conna Community Council Paddling the Past: A Heritage Kayak Tour of the River Bride, which was also allocated €400; and WiseWater Academy celebrating the Bandon River, which was allocated €350.

The Minister of State with responsibility for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD said that the Water Heritage Day Grants Scheme gives communities and groups across Ireland the “opportunity to organise events that celebrate and raise awareness about their local waterbodies”.

“This grants scheme is an investment in the protection and restoration of good water quality nationwide,” 

said Mr O’Sullivan.

“It allows people to create connections with their rivers, lakes, streams, wetlands and coastal waters in new and innovative ways.”

Held in partnership with The Heritage Council, Water Heritage Day takes place as part of National Heritage Week 2025, which ran this week and ends on August 24.