New biodiversity projects starting in Kilkenny
The Heritage Office is delighted to have been awarded funding for 3 new biodiversity projects from the National Parks and Wildlife Service: a survey of barn owls and their roosts; a survey of swifts and their nesting sites; and a survey of the great white-toothed shrew. We’ll be in touch shortly with more details and we’ll be looking for your help with records and sightings from your area – stay tuned!
Pardon the “weeds” we’re feeding the bees!
Kilkenny County Council Parks Department are aiming to reduce the frequency of mowing in areas around the county in support of our important pollinators as this allows wild flowers already in the grass to bloom and provide a valuable food source for pollinators. They have identified a number of areas where they will reduce mowing. To find out more go to https://www.kilkennycoco.ie/eng/RSSLatestNewsAndAnnouncements/Pardon-the-%E2%80%9Cweeds%E2%80%9D-We%E2%80%99re-Feeding-the-Bees!.79884.shortcut.html
Community Heritage Grants awarded in Kilkenny
Four Kilkenny community/not-for-profit groups have received funding from the Heritage Council’s “Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2021” totalling €26,370. They are Butler Gallery, Windgap Tidy Towns, Castlecomer Discovery Park & Kilkenny Archaeological Society. Congrats to everyone involved! Further details at https://www.heritagecouncil.ie/content/files/Community-Heritage-Grant-Scheme-2021-Tranche-2.pdf
Kilkenny receives grants for city walls
Kilkenny County Council is delighted to have been awarded grants from The Irish Walled Towns Network for repairs to Black Friars Arch on Abbey Street, one of the seven gates in Kilkenny city’s medieval walls; and also for information plaques on the city walls. Works will commence in the coming months.
Mná 100: The role of women in Irish history
Minister Martin launched a new initiative of the Decade of Centenaries commemorative programme to document women in our history, particularly their contribution during the Irish Revolutionary period, 1912-1923. Mná100.ie includes original research, previously unseen photos and historic documents. To find out more go to https://www.mna100.ie/
Irish language shopfront grant
Minister Noonan announced the re-opening of Irish-language shopfront grants to help restore/refurbish Irish language shopfronts. The grant is overseen in Kilkenny by the Architectural Conservation Officer, Kilkenny County Council. Closing date for receipt of applications: 5pm Wednesday 2nd June 2021. Further details at https://www.kilkennycoco.ie/eng/Services/Planning/Conservation/Conservation-Grants/
New webinar series for Heritage Week organisers
The Heritage Council is offering a series of webinars to support communities and people who are organising events for National Heritage Week.
- Tuesday, 22nd June, 1pm – 2pm: Welcome to National Heritage Week 2021. Learn about this year’s approaches and key dates. Register here.
- Tuesday, 29th June, 1pm – 2pm: Taking your project online. Learn about the methods and benefits of digital heritage sharing. Register here.
- Tuesday, 29th June, 3pm – 4pm: Communicating your project. Learn about how to share your project widely over social media and local media outlets. Register here
People, Place and Power webinars
Beyond 2022, with the Trinity Long Room Hub Arts and Humanities Research Institute, will host two webinars on Tuesday 25th May @ 2.30pm and 7pm, via zoom, to mark the centenary of the Custom House fire during the War of Independence. These events are free but registration is required. Further details on these webinars available at https://beyond2022.ie/?page_id=2886
