Adopt a Monument scheme launched
THE Heritage Council has launched the fourth national ‘Adopt a Monument’ scheme for local communities to champion their heritage sites.
The scheme is dedicated to recognising, preserving and celebrating heritage sites throughout Ireland. It offers opportunities to develop and understand the story of your locality and to work collaboratively together.
From mentoring and training to assistance with funding applications and community events, the Heritage Council works in partnership to help to develop a deeper understanding of the monument and its place in the landscape.
One site that has benefited form the scheme is the crusher house at Baravore in Glenma- lure, which was built out of cut stone granite in 1859. In 2016, the scheme helped the community to liaise with the landowners to conserve and record the building and mining complex. In March 2017 a celebration weekend was held that involved tours of the valley, demonstrations by the stonemasons that carried out the conservation works, a small archaeological excavation of the floor of the building and children’s events.
Since the launch of the scheme, 150 entries have been received with 13 sites across the country selected to become adopted monuments.
To nominate a local monument please visit www.heritagecouncil.ie to download an application form. Closing date for applications is February 28.