5 May 2015, Tuesday
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
he Heritage Council has announced funding for a number of heritage projects in County Cork under its 2015 Community-based Heritage Grants Scheme. A total of 197 heritage projects nationwide have been awarded funding under the scheme, which supports the continuing conservation and development of Irish heritage through local community based groups. Funding of €547,000 is being provided through the Heritage Council and the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. The scheme has proven once again to be in demand, with over 600 applications received. It is expected to generate total investment of more than €1 million.
Conor Newman, Heritage Council Chairman, commented, “we are delighted to see the Community Grants scheme return for 2015. It is a hugely popular initiative, and while we weren’t in a position to support all of the projects which applied, I am very pleased that almost 200 projects across the country are set to benefit. Many of these projects support rare and threatened aspects of our heritage and all of them tell a story. They contribute to local economies, improve our tourism product and allow people to be involved and contribute to their places. As the Heritage Council celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year it is important to be able to continue to work in partnership with community organisations across Ireland and support the aspects of heritage they value. It is an approach that has been at the core of its thinking since it was first set up in 1995 and has delivered significant results with small amounts of funds”.
Minister for Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys said, “It is very important that we invest in protecting our heritage. I am delighted to have been able to support the reintroduction of this Heritage Council Grant Scheme which will result in considerable economic and community development throughout the country. It directly supports community groups which work tirelessly, often on a voluntary basis, to conserve local heritage projects. I have a huge appreciation for the pride local communities take in heritage projects, and how these projects can help inspire pride of place and attract visitors. This funding will come as a great boost to individual projects and communities involved.”
An example of the projects that have received funding in County Cork include,
· Conservation of selected artefacts at Kilmurry Museum Co. Cork, applicant Kilmurry Historical and Archaeological Association Ltd. For the on-going conservation of artefacts for posterity and historical record. Included are costume, organic and glass. Amount Awarded €3000.
· Cork 1912-22 in Archives: School Outreach Programme, applicant Cork City and County Archives. Cork Archives wishes to encourage awareness and study of the 1912-22 periods through the use of primary sources in secondary schools. Online resources using original documents from collections will provide a perspective on Cork life, and on the impact of historic events. Amount Awarded – €4000.
· Triskel Christchurch Public Outreach Heritage Talks, applicant Triskel Arts Centre. It is our goal to host a number of themed lunchtime seminar talks on the history of Cork city and surrounding areas. Amount Awarded – €4000.
· Completion of Graveyard Trail Final Phase. St. Mary’s Collegiate Church, applicant St Mary’s Collegiate Church. This project seeks funding for one additional graveyard trail sign as well as an orientation panel which would be used to complete the existing signage. Amount Awarded – €2000.
· Old Rathcooney Graveyard Project, applicant Glanmire Heritage Society. The project involves surveying headstones, and recording names and dates thereon, thus creating valuable genealogical information. Amount Awarded – €1500.
· Community Orientated Programme of Events for Heritage Week 2015, applicant IRD Duhallow. The programme of events for Heritage Week 2015 will encompass a variety of community heritage projects which will provide short and long term benefits to local communities and the region as a whole. Amount Awarded – €1000.
· A New Timeline for Rosscarbery Featuring the 1755 Tsunami, applicant Rosscarbery and District History Society. The project comprises research into the former landscapes of Rosscarbery in order to establish a preliminary chronology for the town and estuary. Amount Awarded – €3000
· Brochure for Timoleague Abbey, applicant Molaga Tidy Towns. This project will design and print a brochure for tourists and visitors to Timoleague Abbey. There is no such brochure available and with the growing interest in The Wild Atlantic Way; which passes Timoleague, we feel it is essential to have such a guide available. Amount Awarded – €1500
· Bere Island Place Name Study, applicant Bere Island Project Group. This project aims to undertake a place name study of Bere Island. This will include names associated with the main island townlands, as well as names of areas within each townland, fields, inlets, beaches/strands, boundaries, pathways, rocks, heights, ruins etc throughout the entire island. Amount Awarded – €1000
· Conservation and Restoration of the only known Sand-boat in Ireland, applicant West Cork Maritime Heritage Company. This will be a pilot project to develop best practice in boat restoration. West Cork Maritime Heritage Company has been set up in Baltimore to promote the heritage of the village primarily through its maritime heritage. This project will be phase one of the restoration of the sandboat. Amount Awarded – €3500.
· Celebrating the life and work of Ellen Hutchins (1785-1815), Ireland’s first female botanist, applicant Clare Heardman. This project will host activities to celebrate the botany & art of Ellen Hutchins – Ireland’s first female botanist – marking the 200th anniversary of her death. Events will include an exhibition about her life & work; a display of her botanical illustrations; guided walks by top botanists; illustrated talks; and a new website launch. Amount Awarded -€1500.
· Renewal of original windows at Bantry House, applicant Bantry Estates Company. This project aims to renew original windows at Bantry House which are in a state of decay. Amount Awarded – €4000.
· Timber Framed House Restoration Project, applicant Friends of Bandon’s Timber Framed House. This project will carry out immediate works and surveys to prevent any further deterioration to this structure of local and national importance. Amount awarded – €4000
