Major funding announced to protect Wicklow’s historic monuments
The Wicklow PeopleA significant investment in the protection and conservation of County Wicklow’s archaeological heritage has been announced, delivering substantial funding worth €544,458.09 to a series of historic sites across the county.
The funding forms part of the national Community Monuments Fund, established in 2020 to support the continued preservation, maintenance and public accessibility of important heritage locations.
The latest allocation provides financial support to seven sites, many of which have stood for centuries and remain central to the cultural identity of their local communities. The funding is intended to safeguard these monuments for future generations, strengthen their resilience against extreme weather and climate change, and improve public access.
Welcoming the announcement, Wicklow TD Edward Timmins said the investment represents “a real boost for communities in Wicklow who care deeply about local heritage”.
He added that the funding “ensures monuments which have shaped towns and villages for generations will be protected, restored and made accessible for all”.
Among the largest grants is €130,000 for Kilpipe Church in Tinahely, a medieval site of considerable historical interest. A further €130,000 has been allocated to Drumgoff Barracks in Glenmalure, a structure with strong links to the region’s military past. Both projects will focus on essential conservation works aimed at stabilising and preserving the buildings.
Kilmacanogue Church and Graveyard has been awarded €105,038.53, supporting ongoing conservation efforts and improvements to visitor access. In Wicklow Town, the prominent Black Castle, one of the county’s most recognisable medieval landmarks, will receive €100,000 for vital preservation works.
Several smaller but historically significant rural sites have also received funding. Killadreenan Church in Newcastle Village has been allocated €25,695.38, while Killoughter Church and Graveyard will receive €23,724.18. Castletimon Church in Brittas Bay has been granted €30,000, supporting conservation at a site long embedded in the area’s cultural landscape.
The Community Monuments Fund supports a wide range of initiatives, from structural repairs and conservation works to projects that enhance public engagement with archaeological sites. The scheme also aims to protect monuments from the growing risks posed by climate change, including storm damage and soil erosion.
“These grants help owners and custodians of archaeological monuments to safeguard them into the future and improve access,” Deputy Timmins said.
He noted that the fund plays a crucial role in ensuring that heritage sites remain part of everyday community life.
He also praised the ongoing efforts of local volunteers and heritage groups.
“People in communities across Wicklow work tirelessly to protect local monuments and historic sites. Their dedication is the reason these monuments continue to help enrich communities.”