Community groups in Limerick encouraged to apply for Community Heritage Grant Scheme

COMMUNITY groups throughout Limerick are being encouraged to apply for the 2026 Community Heritage Grant Scheme, which has been launched by The Heritage Council.
Grants of between €800 to €25,000 are available under the scheme, which supports local initiatives that protect, share, and celebrate the built, natural and cultural heritage that matters to communities nationwide.
The variety of applicants that successfully secured funding in 2025 in Limerick demonstrates the positive impact the scheme has across the heritage field. These included a virtual tour of Askeaton Castle by Askeaton Civic Trust and Ballyhoura Corridors; Securing our Future Hedgerows by Ballyhoura Development CLG.

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Limerick City and County Council heritage officer, Tom O’Neill, said: “This scheme gives local groups the resources and confidence to build on the county’s exceptional heritage. Last year funding was awarded to Askeaton Civic Trust to support the development of a virtual tour of Askeaton Castle, bringing its rich history to life for wider audiences, locally and beyond. The Doon Historical & Literary Society also used funding to support the restoration and relocation of an historic pipe organ in St Patrick’s Parish Church. This funding can make a real and lasting difference. I strongly encourage groups across the county to consider applying,” said Mr O’Neill.
The scheme supports not‑for‑profit groups - including non-governmental organisations, and community and voluntary groups - to deliver projects that make heritage more inclusive, promote good practice, and strengthen sustainability.
The annual scheme supports a wide variety of heritage projects, from practical conservation work to skills development and public engagement.
Eligible projects include conservation management plans, surveys, and reports; conservation works to biodiversity sites, historic structures, objects, or collections; and hands‑on heritage skills workshops.
The scheme also supports collections care and biodiversity projects, the creation of digital heritage resources, and the purchase of specialised conservation equipment.
Virginia Teehan, chief executive officer of the Heritage Council, said; “The Community Heritage Grant Scheme is one of the most important ways we support local stewardship of Ireland’s heritage. Each year, we see community groups bring extraordinary creativity in developing ways to care and promote the places, stories, and natural environments that matter to them.”
Ms Teehan added “This scheme empowers people to take meaningful action, whether that be restoring a historic structure, conserving biodiversity, or creating new ways for the public to connect with their local heritage. We are continually inspired by the ambition of these projects, and we look forward to supporting communities across the country once again in 2026”.
Applications must be submitted via the Heritage Council’s online grants management system by March 20. Successful projects must be completed by November.