Five Laois monuments are set to share in almost €200,000 through the Community Monuments Funds.
The fund aims to enable the conservation works on archaeological monuments which are in need of urgent support.
It will encourage access to archaeological monuments and improve their presentation.
St. Bridget’s Church and Graveyard, Rathdowney is to receive €8,610 while The Heath is to get €22,174 to develop management plans/reports, aimed at identifying measures for conservation and improved public access.
Killabban Church will receive €42,647, which will allow enhancement of access infrastructure and interpretation, including virtual/online presentations.
€59,525 will go towards ongoing conservation at Old St Peter’s Church and Graveyard in Portlaoise, which is on the Portlaoise Heritage Trail.
While €66,407 will go to Dysart Enos Church, for essential repairs and capital works for the conservation and repair of archaeological monuments.
Minister Pippa Hackett said: “Our community monuments are a precious part of our heritage and draw visitors to some of our hidden gems in the Midlands.
“Maintaining them is important so I’m delighted my colleague Minister Malcolm Noon has allocated €199,363 to five Laois sites:
While Fine Gael TD, Charlie Flanagan said: “I am pleased that a number of ancient heritage sites across the county have been grant aided by the Community Monument Fund.
“Laois is well known for its ancient sites and I trust over coming years that more of our heritage sites will be restored and grant aided.”
Minister for State Sean Fleming said: “This funding will enable conservation works be carried out on these monuments, encouraging access, improving their presentation and building resistance against extreme weather and impacts of climate change.
“This funding will be of great support to those in our community who care and maintain these monuments and historical sites.
“I would like to thank all involved for their dedication in caring for and protecting local heritage.”
