An innovative scheme designed to help communities become actively involved in the conservation and interpretation of their local archaeological and cultural heritage sites is now seeking public applications, North Cork Fine Gael Councillor John Paul O’Shea has said.
The Adopt a Monument Scheme 2019, run by the Heritage Council, is a project designed to bring monuments and local heritage from the periphery into the heart of a community. Ireland’s heritage is rich and diverse; a monument can be anything including ringforts, lime kilns, bridges, graveyards etc.
“For communities, the Adopt a Monument Scheme offers a way of promoting pride in our monuments. It also offers opportunities to develop and understand the story of your locality and to work collaboratively together,” commented Cllr. O’Shea.
From mentoring and training, to assistance with funding applications and community events, the Heritage Council works in partnership to help to develop a deeper understanding of the monument and its place in the landscape and the team work with the communities to create and implement bespoke plans for each monument.
“This Scheme is about helping community groups embrace their heritage site, be it a prehistoric tomb, stone circle, medieval town wall, castle, church, bridge, graveyard, landed estate, mine, kiln, mill, traditional house or battlefield.
“Chosen monuments will serve as a focal point for heritage-related, educational and recreational activities and will encourage interpretation and understanding,” added Cllr. O’Shea.
Application forms must be submitted to: adoptamonument@
