Community Monuments Fund 2026

The 2026 Community Monuments Fund was launched by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan TD, on the 8th December 2025.

The 2026 Community Monuments Fund will invest in our valuable archaeological heritage and help the owners and custodians of archaeological monuments to safeguard them into the future for the benefit of communities and the public.

Announcing the 2026 Community Monuments Fund, Minister Browne said:

"We are very pleased to announce the Community Monuments Fund for 2026. Our archaelogical monuments are a great source of pride for local areas. We must protect them for all to enjoy long into the future and prevent them from falling into disrepair and this fund provides financial support for that protection.The broader heritage sector, including local authority heritage teams, are leaders in identifying monuments that could beenfit from this funding. I encourage owners and custodians of such monuments to make contact with your local authority to find out more about applying."

The total funding available nationally for projects under Community Monuments Fund 2026 will be €7.5 million. This funding is prioritised for Local Authorities, State-funded organisations, private owners, custodians and community groups for the care, conservation, maintenance, protection and promotion of archaeological monuments. The core aims of the fund are the conservation, maintenance, protection and presentation of archaeological monuments. It will:

• enable conservation works to be carried out on monuments which are deemed to be significant and in need of urgent support;
• build resilience in our monuments to enable them to withstand the effects of climate change;
• encourage access to monuments and improve their presentation.

The Community Monuments Fund has 3 Streams:

1. Stream 1 will offer grants up to €100,000 aimed at essential repairs and capital works for the conservation and repair of archaeological monuments.
2. Stream 2 will offer grants of up to €30,000 for development of Conservation Management Plans/Reports that are aimed at identifying measures for conservation of archaeological monuments and improving public access.
3. Stream 3 will offer grants of up to €30,000 for enhancement of access infrastructure and interpretation projects (including virtual/online) and small scale emergency conservations works at archaeological monuments.

 The Community Monuments Fund provides funding for projects in relation to:

1. Archaeological Monuments that are included in the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) under the National Monuments Act 1930 (as amended)
2. Archaeological Monuments that are identified in the Sites and Monuments Record compiled by the National Monuments Service.

Eligible projects will be drawn from the following categories:

1. projects proposed by a Local Authority in relation to archaeological monuments in public ownership, where a clear heritage focus and community or public benefit has been demonstrated;
2. projects proposed by a Local Authority on foot of applications from private applicants who are the owners or custodians of relevant archaeological monuments where there is a tangible public benefit;
3. projects with a clearly defined heritage focus and community or public benefit proposed directly to the Department by a State-funded organisation working in the heritage area.

The closing date for applications to the local authority is Friday 30th January 2026. Details of the Fund and Application form are available below.