Applications sought in Sligo for Community Monuments Fund

Sligo County Council is inviting applications under the Community Monuments Fund 2026 (CMF 2026) for the conservation of archaeological monuments.

Under CMF 2026, a total of €7.5 million in grant funding will be available nationally to owners, custodians, community groups and local authorities for projects that conserve and promote Ireland’s archaeological heritage. The national fund is administered locally by Sligo County Council on behalf of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Funding of up to €100,000 is available for essential repairs and capital works for the conservation and repair of archaeological monuments (Stream 1), up to €30,000 for the development of Conservation Management Plans or reports aimed at identifying measures for the conservation of archaeological monuments and improving public access (Stream 2) and up to €30,000 for enhancement of access and interpretation at archaeological monuments including on-line or virtual access (Stream 3).

The Community Monuments Fund provides 100% funding for the conservation, maintenance, protection and presentation of archaeological monuments and historic sites by private owners, custodians, community groups or local authorities. All of the archaeological monuments funded under the grant scheme are protected under the National Monuments Acts.

Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Donal Gilroy, commented: “Sligo has been a strong beneficiary of the Community Monuments Fund since its inception in 2000, with over €1.3 million allocated across 28 projects to date. As most of the 6,500 known archaeological sites in County Sligo are in private ownership or guardianship, this scheme offers an ideal opportunity to landowners, community groups or local authorities to undertake conservation works to monuments.” 

Siobhán Ryan, A/Senior Heritage Officer, Sligo County Council, added: "In 2025, Sligo benefitted from over €370,000 in CMF allocations for five significant heritage initiatives, including the conservation of Aghanagh Church, the emergency stabilisation of the southwest tower at Moygara Castle, conservation works at Enniscrone Castle, as well as the preparation of conservation management plans for Court Abbey and Killaspugbrone Church and Graveyard."

A prime example of the impact of CMF investment in Sligo is Enniscrone Castle, which received €118,671 under the 2025 Community Monuments Fund for Phase 2 conservation works to complete essential structural repairs. This project was led and delivered by the local community and directly contributes to the preservation, resilience and public enjoyment of one of Sligo’s most iconic monuments, ensuring the safety and sustainability of the site for visitors and the local community alike.

If you are the owner or guardian of an archaeological monument or historic site or are involved with a community group that would like to conserve your local archaeological heritage, advice is available from the Heritage Office, Sligo County Council by e-mail at cmf@sligococo.ie.

Further details and application forms are available on the Sligo County Council website at www.sligococo.ie/grants.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 4pm on Friday, January 31, 2026.