Monument funding secured for two Laois landmarks

Almost €230,000 has been allocated to two Laois landmarks under the Community Monuments Fund 2025. 

A total of €129,000 has been approved for works on Clonreher Castle (outside Portlaoise) and a further €100,000 has been approved for works on Tankardstown Church (near Barrowhouse).

The purpose of this fund is to protect, repair, conserve, and maintain local structures for the benefit of the general public into the future.

The funding was welcomed by Laois TD Sean Fleming who said: “This generation must make a good effort to protect significant archaeological monuments in their local communities for future generations.”

“It is important that these historic buildings which are part of our heritage are protected and ultimately improved so that people can visit and learn more about the significance that Clonreher Castle and Tankardstown Church played in their local communities over many years in the past,” said Deputy Fleming 

He thanked Laois County Council for the role they played in examining the historic structures and submitting them to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for funding for these conservation projects.

Deputy Willie Aird also welcomed the funding allocation. 

“The Community Monuments Fund supports a range of initiatives to conserve, maintain, protect and promote local monuments and historic sites,” he said. 

Deputy Aird went said “the investment safeguards monuments for the benefit of communities and the public by enabling conservation works and repairs as well as protecting monuments from the effects of extreme weather and climate change.”

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Since the Community Monuments Fund was first introduced in 2020, it has invested €25.5 million in communities nationwide, supporting archaeological heritage by helping to conserve buildings as varied as churches, round towers, castles, forts, and abbeys. 

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan announced the 122 projects that will be awarded €7.5 million in funding under the 2025 Community Monuments Fund. A full list of the allocations nationally is available here.