Minister Calleary and Deputy Keogh welcome funding for three Mayo projects

Minister Dara Calleary and Deputy Keira Keogh have welcomed the allocation of funding for three Mayo projects under the 2026 Community Monuments Fund.

The funding is aimed at supporting the conservation and protection of archaeological monuments, as well as improving public access to these historic sites.

The funding was confirmed by Minister James Browne and Minister Christopher O’Sullivan.

The projects selected in Mayo include the Augustinian Abbey in Ardnaree, Ballina, Lough Lannagh Castle in Castlebar, and the Inishkea Cross Slab.

The Augustinian Abbey and Lough Lannagh Castle, both of which received funding in a previous round, will benefit from additional allocations under Stream 1 of the scheme. The abbey has been awarded €121,526, while Lough Lannagh Castle will receive €100,000 to support ongoing conservation works. A further €14,734 has been allocated under Stream 3 for the Inishkea Cross Slab.

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Speaking on the allocation of funding, Minister Calleary said the investment safeguards the monuments for the benefit of the communities. 

“It does so by enabling conservation works and repairs, as well as building resilience through protecting monuments from the effects of extreme weather and climate change. The scheme also helps facilitate public access and improvements to the presentation of local monuments,” he said.

Furthermore, the Minister extended his compliments to the Mayo County Council Heritage and Conservation Section for their ongoing work on applications and projects. 

“It is important that we cherish and look after such monuments of such local and national importance,” he added. 

Deputy Kiera Keogh TD also expressed her delight at the funding, stating,

“These three historic buildings are hugely important in terms of the preservation of our built heritage in Mayo. I congratulate Deirdre Cunningham, Heritage Officer for Mayo, and her team in highlighting the value of these structures as archaeological and educational tools to learn about our past.

“I am amazed by the many undiscovered heritage sites in Mayo and will continue to support my constituents in recognising the importance of these sites and assist in bringing funding to underpin the protection and preservation of these projects,” she concluded.