This year Heritage Week will take place from the 20^th-28^th August 2011.  National Heritage Week Event Registration is currently underway. If you’d like to register an event for inclusion in the National Heritage Week event guide which is distributed all around Ireland and overseas the deadline is Tuesday the 31^st of May. Full information can be found on www.heritageweek.ie We hope you will join us once again in being a part of the Week and making 2011 the biggest and most successful National Heritage Week yet.

FUNDING  – Architectural and Archaeological Heritage Project applications for funding from the Environment Fund

Applications are invited from bodies, such as charities, academic institutions, local authorities and professional organisations, for funding in 2011 for Architectural and Archaeological Heritage Projects from the Environment Fund (copy of guidelines for applications attached).  The deadline for receipt of applications by the Department of Arts. Heritage and the Gaeltacht is 15^th June 2011.   Any queries should be made to Mr. Muiris Ó Conchúir or Ms. Marian Doyle, Built Heritage and Architectural Policy Section, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (contact details included in attached guidelines).

FUNDING – Fáilte Ireland Heritage Fund Guidelines 2011

 New sub-programme to the current Tourism Capital Investment Programme, aimed at the Built Heritage area.
The programme is designed to support small-scale projects (i.e. less than €200,000), so is a complement to the existing programme for Upgrade of Existing Visitor Attractions (which is for projects of €250k+).  Projects can qualify for up to 80% funding under this new scheme, and works which qualify would be in the areas of restoration / preservation works, as well as other capital works that would enhance the visitor experience (so general presentation, orientation and interpretation works could all qualify).  Product categories which qualify under this Heritage Fund would be Heritage Properties, Historic Houses and Gardens.
Guidelines and application form can be downloaded from the Failte Ireland website at: www.failteireland.ie/capitalgrants

The fund is now open for receiving applications, with closing date of June 30th, 2011.

 FUNDING – REPS4 Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme

 The 2011/12 REPS4 Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme is opening for applications this week. The scheme is managed by the Heritage Council on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.  The guidelines and application form will shortly be available to download on www.heritagecouncil.ie.

The grant is available for the conservation of the external appearance of farm outbuildings, including roof, walls, window and door repairs. Conservation works to associated structures such as historic yard surfaces, walls, gate pillars and gates will be considered if they are part of the overall project to repair an outbuilding. This grant scheme does not cover works to the interior of buildings. Farmhouses, residential or domestic buildings are not eligible for funding.

Who can apply for this grant scheme:

1. A farmer who has a REPS 4 contract with the Department of Agriculture and who is in receipt of a REPS4 payment
2. The owner of the building for which funding is sought or applicant is acting with the permission of the owner and  
3. The building applied for is in agricultural use

• The closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm Friday 1^st July 2011 in Heritage Council offices
• The process is highly competitive and a grant award will not be for more than 75% of the cost of the works with a maximum grant of €20,000
• Applications made by fax or email will not be accepted
• The Heritage Council will inform all applicants of the outcome of their application in writing before end of Summer 2011.
• Successful applicants will have until Summer 2012 to complete project works.

For further information please contact Anna Meenan, Project Manager, REPS 4 Traditional Farm Buildings Grants Scheme, The Heritage Council, Church Lane, Kilkenny Tel: 056 7770777 or by email at ameenan@heritagecouncil.ie