Donegal County Council has announced funding for Coiste Forbartha Dhobhair under the Heritage Grants Scheme for a conservation management plan at the old church and historic graveyard in Machaire Gathlán.

The historic graveyard in Machaire Gathlán is among 50 sites under the guardianship of Donegal County Council. Recently, the Heritage Council allocated €356,065 in funding across seventeen heritage initiatives in County Donegal, benefiting various community groups. This funding, part of the Community Heritage Grants Scheme, aims to improve access and inclusion to heritage sites and promote good heritage practices in managing places, collections, objects and buildings annually.

Joseph Gallagher, County Donegal Heritage Officer, said: "The success of local heritage groups and local communities in securing funding under the Heritage Council’s Community Heritage Grant Scheme is impressive and is evidence of the strength of the heritage sector in County Donegal.

"Continued investment in our built, natural, cultural and intangible heritage is important. Our heritage reinforces our sense of place and identity, attracts visitors, supports jobs and sustains local communities. The Community Heritage Grant Scheme provides necessary support for local community groups and heritage professionals involved in the conservation, promotion and enhancement of our heritage. Although this countrywide scheme is very competitive, 17 Donegal-based heritage projects out of a total of 123 countywide will be funded this year representing about 19% of the funding available nationally. Best conservation practice and local community engagement are essential features of any project."

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Chief Executive of The Heritage Council, Virginia Teehan, stated: "It is fantastic to see the remarkable level of activity and engagement from heritage groups in Donegal under our Community Heritage Grant Scheme again this year. The range of projects awarded funding is a testament to their commitment to preserving and celebrating our rich heritage, and to the work of Donegal’s Heritage Officer, Joseph Gallagher. This year's projects promise significant positive benefits to heritage across the county, most notably the conservation, repair and restoration of historically and culturally significant buildings and sites, and the development of digital interpretation mapping of heritage sites. These initiatives not only safeguard our past but also ensure its accessibility and understanding for future generations."

Under the Community Heritage Grants Scheme, The Heritage Council awarded funding to several projects:

• Kilcar Heritage Committee received €25,000 for conservation works at St. Matthew’s Church in Kilcar.

Kilbarron Church Conservation Group received €24,980 for conservation works at Kilbarron Church.

• The Follies Trust received €25,000 for conservation works at Reynolds’ Folly near Ballyshannon.

• Inishowen Maritime Museum received €23,000 for a conservation plan and works at the Old Coastguard Station in Greencastle.

• Donegal Famine Heritage Centre received €18,142 for conservation works at Dunfanaghy Workhouse.

• Donegal GAP Heritage & History Group received €25,000 for conservation stabilisation of the wall head and parapet at Doon Fort.

• Donegal Railway Heritage Museum received €7,813 for the Donegal Railway Interactive Map.

• Moville Tidy Towns received €18,725 for a conservation management plan for Cooley historic graveyard near Moville.

• Milford & District Resource CLG received €25,000 for conservation works to the roof of the former Presbyterian Church building in Milford.

• Raphoe Masonic Lodge received €9,500 for conservation repair works to the Raphoe Masonic Lodge.

• Inver Heritage Group received €25,000 for conservation works at St. Naul’s Church in Inver.

• Cairde na hEaragaile received €25,000 for a conservation plan and repair works to Altan Farm Summer House in Dunlewey.

• Coiste Forbartha Dhobhair received €6,826 for a conservation management plan for the old church and historic graveyard at Machaire Gathlán.

• Moville Community Complex Development Company received €24,999 for a community-led conservation management plan for the historic core of Moville.

• Teach Pobail Mhuire Gaoth Dobhair received €25,000 for a conservation plan and feasibility study for Derrybeg Old Church.

• Clonbeg Heritage Group received €22,062 for a conservation management plan for the historic church and graveyard site in Clonbeg Glebe near Creeslough.

• St. Mary’s Parish Committee received €25,000 for conservation repairs to St. Mary’s Church in Ramelton.