Five County Sligo-based projects are set to benefit from an allocation of over €370,000 from this year's Community Monuments Fund (CMF).

The scheme offers three funding streams to support a broad range of measures aimed at protecting and promoting archaeological monuments, including emergency conservation repair works at monuments, masonry repair, the development of Conservation Management Plans, access infrastructure and installation of interpretation signage, and communication projects aimed at disseminating knowledge of Ireland's archaeological heritage.

The five Sligo projects which will avail of this year's CMF include:

• Aghanagh Church, Ballinafad. Co. Sligo - €100,000 for phased conservation works.

• Moygara Castle - €100,000 for emergency stabilisation works to the southwest tower.

• Enniscrone Castle - €118,671 for phase 2 conservation works to complete essential structural repairs.

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• Court Abbey, Lavagh - €30,000 for the preparation of a conservation management plan for the site.

• Killaspugbrone Church & Graveyard - €22,263 for the preparation of a conservation management plan for the site.

Welcoming the funding announcement, Cllr. Declan Bree, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council said: "I am delighted to see Sligo benefitting under the Community Monuments Fund 2025. The funding will help protect our wonderful archaeological heritage and make it more accessible to the many who cherish it.

"It will also provide much needed support to local communities, private custodians, as well as archaeologists, conservation architects, stone masons, and other professional trades. Conservation projects rely hugely on broad community support and the availability of traditional building skills, the Community Monuments Fund brings these aspects together for the benefit of our heritage and the wider community."

In total, 122 projects are to be awarded €7.5 million in funding under the 2025 Community Monuments Fund.

Announcing the investment, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, said: "I am delighted to announce these awards under the 2025 Community Monuments Fund. The importance of our archaeological heritage cannot be overstated and this fund has a very real and profound impact on the custodians and communities in our cities, villages, towns and countryside.

"I sincerely thank the owners of archaeological monuments for their dedication to the preservation of our wonderful heritage. This investment will ensure that our built heritage can continue to be enjoyed by local and visiting communities, as well as acting to create work and preserve important traditional skills in towns and villages right across Ireland."