Heritage Council Grant Programme

The Heritage Council is seeking applications for funding a wide range of projects to protect and enhance our national heritage. It has allocated almost 3m euros for seven grant schemes for 2007.

Projects which will be considered include local heritage, biodiversity, archaeology, publications, restoration of heritage buildings and museums and archives. Anyone can apply including community groups, individuals and organisations.

This year a special grant fund of 500,000 euros has been allocated within the scheme for biodiversity projects.

A number of groups in Kildare have benefited from the Local Heritage Grants Scheme in the past. Sallins Tidy Towns received funding for an Ecological Survey and Newbridge Tidy Towns received funding for natural heritage interpretative panels.

A special fund of 50,000 euros has been made available to fund projects that will take place during Heritage Week 2007. Funding will be available for outdoor educational activities, neglected aspects of heritage and the promotion of heritage to local communities.

Applications must be submitted for all schemes by 3rd November 2006, except the Buildings at Risk programme, which is open until 31st March 2007.

For further information and application forms contact your local Heritage Officer, Bridget Loughlin, at Kildare County Council Offices, 045 980791 or full details and application forms, including a provision to apply online, are also available on www.heritagecouncil.ie