Minister Canney Welcomes Funding of €667,000 for Galway under 2025 Community Monuments Fund
Minister for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rails and Ports, and Leader of the Independent Team of Ministers, Seán Canney TD, has welcomed the allocation of over €667,000 in funding for 11 heritage projects in Galway under the 2025 Community Monuments Fund (CMF). The funding supports essential conservation and access works at archaeological sites throughout the county and city.
The announcement coincides with World Heritage Day (April 18), celebrating the international Day for Monuments and Sites.
Speaking on the awards, Minister Canney said: “I am delighted to see significant investment in Galway’s built heritage under this year’s Community Monuments Fund. These projects protect and enhance some of our most valued historic sites—ensuring that they are preserved for future generations, while also supporting local employment and the traditional skills sector. This funding strengthens community ties to our archaeological past and offers greater public access and educational opportunities.”
Under the three funding streams, the Galway awards include:
Stream 1 – Capital Conservation Works
Menlough Castle, Galway City – €130,000
St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Galway City – €120,000
Temple Jarlath, Tuam – €99,835.80
Ballinasloe Town Wall – €100,975.00
Kilcooley – €100,772.05
Stream 2 – Conservation Management Plans
Killeely – €29,520.00
Castlehacket – €29,827.50
Rathgurreen Ringfort – €9,333.24
Stream 3 – Access and Interpretation Works
Kilboght Graveyard – €7,815.90
Community Monuments StoryMaps Phase 2 – €9,005.50
Issertkelly – €29,949.00
Minister Canney added: “This is a fantastic outcome for Galway. From ancient castles and graveyards to interpretive digital projects, this funding is an investment not just in our past, but in our future. I commend all those involved—from community groups to local authorities—for their dedication in securing and delivering these projects.”
Since its inception in 2020, the CMF has invested €25.5 million nationally, supporting communities in protecting local heritage and building climate resilience at historic sites.