Waterways Ireland - Community Heritage and Biodiversity Grant

Grants of up to €1,500 are available.

The aim of this scheme is to support projects that compliment or fulfill the delivery of the Waterways Ireland Heritage Plan. A copy of the first Heritage Plan can be downloaded at www.waterwaysireland.org. The new Plan will commence public consultation in 2024 but the overarching commitment to built, natural and cultural heritage remains.

The scheme is open to individuals, community groups and organisations along the inland waterways within Waterways Ireland's remit:

• The Lower Bann
• The Grand Canal
• The Royal Canal
• The Barrow Navigation
• The Shannon
• The Shannon Erne
• The Erne
• The Ulster Canal (Upper Lough Erne to Clones)

Only one grant per individual/organisation is permitted.

Examples of eligible projects include:

• Gathering Heritage Data: The objective of this scheme is to provide assistance for data collection and research relating to inland waterways' heritage.
• Heritage Management: The objective of this scheme is to support projects that apply good heritage practice in managing sites, collections, objects, etc.
• Raising awareness of Heritage: The objective of this scheme is to support fresh approaches and initiatives that link heritage to communities, promoting active engagement with heritage and its appreciation by the public.

Criteria for assessment will include:

• The extent to which it compliments or fulfils an action of the Waterways Ireland Heritage Plan,
• The extent to which proposed activities benefits local heritage and will benefit intended target group or area,
• The use of innovative or imaginative approaches,
• The capacity of applicants to carry out the proposed project.

Staff of the Environment and Heritage Section of Waterways Ireland will meet with eligible groups to discuss their applications if necessary.

For further information see the Waterways Ireland webpage on the scheme

Email: heritageplan@waterwaysireland.org