Funding boost for Ireland’s World Heritage sites

Three sites on Ireland’s World Heritage Tentative List and one World Heritage Property are to receive almost €240,000 under the 2025 Pilot World Heritage Strategic Investment Fund.

The announcement was made today by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne, and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan.

The grants are designed to help custodians conserve and protect heritage structures while improving public access and presentation. The largest award, €125,000, will go to the Transatlantic Cable Ensemble in Valentia, Co Kerry. The Royal Sites of Ireland will receive €87,000, the Passage Tomb Landscape of Sligo €22,000, and Brú na Bóinne, Co Meath, €3,500.

Mr Browne said the grants recognise the work of local custodians in maintaining “internationally significant structures” and will support their ongoing protection.

Minister of State O’Sullivan said the fund was also a key action under the Government’s new Strategy for World Heritage in Ireland 2025–2035. “This initiative helps improve interpretation and presentation, enhances accessibility, and builds resilience for heritage structures against climate change,” he said.

The pilot fund supports projects within both recognised World Heritage Properties and sites on the Tentative List. Funding can be sought for access and interpretation projects or for conservation works such as repairs and management plans.

Ireland currently has two World Heritage Properties: Brú na Bóinne, listed in 1993, and Sceilg Mhichíl, listed in 1996. Sites on the Tentative List include the Passage Tomb Landscape of County Sligo, the Transatlantic Cable Ensemble, the Royal Sites of Ireland and the Historic Astronomical Observatories of Ireland.