Corbally Harbour and Waterways Ireland heritage scheme?
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| One of the buildings at Corbally Harbour. Pic by Noel Clare. |
A Kilcullen-based project could conceivably be developed with the help of a grant for community based heritage projects on Ireland's inland waterways, the deadline for which is coming up on 31 January, writes Brian Byrne.
Though it is late in the day, maybe a proposal for the preservation of Corbally Harbour might be put together, perhaps to fund a feasibility study?
The Harbour was the terminus for the Herbertstown Branch (aka Corbally Line) from the Grand Canal via Naas and Sallins, and serviced the heavy goods transport needs of the Kilcullen and surrounding areas in the heyday of the canal system.
There are a number of proposals floating around for the establishment of a greenway along the line, but a local project to concentrate on the Harbour itself would be an ideal Kilcullen project.
The grants are available from a total of €20,000 allocated by Waterways Ireland to assist community based heritage projects 'which complement or fulfil the delivery of the Waterways Ireland Heritage Plan' along the Barrow Navigation, Erne System, Grand Canal, Lower Bann, Royal Canal, Shannon Navigation, Shannon-Erne Waterway and the Ulster Canal.
Applications will be considered from communities, individuals and organisations seeking assistance for projects related to inland waterways' heritage. This can include data collection and research, good heritage practice in managing sites, collections, objects and more, and support fresh approaches and initiatives that promote active engagement with heritage.
A Guidance document is available here. Application form here.
There's a very good article by Noel Clare on the amenity of the Corbally Line for walking in the September issue of The Bridge.
