Conservation Grants 2021
Minister Noonan recently announced funding of €6m under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Historic Structures Fund for 2021. Managed by the Conservation Office, Kilkenny County Council, Stream 1 offers grants from €15k to €50k aimed at essential repairs and smaller capital works. Stream 2 will offer a small number of grants from €50k to €200k for larger enhancement, refurbishment or reuse projects involving heritage structures and Stream 3 is a pilot scheme for Vernacular Structures. Closing date for receipt of applications is 22nd January 2021. For further details on grants and grant criteria go to https://www.kilkennycoco.ie/eng/Services/Planning/Conservation/Conservation-Grants/
Creativity and Culture in Yulefest
Funding from Creative Ireland, under the Kilkenny Culture & Creativity Strategy, was secured to promote a strong heritage and creativity element in this year’s Yulefest programme, including Festival in a Van; Guess the traditional shopfront; My Heritage selfie competition etc. This year’s focus is on shopping local, exploring Kilkenny’s wonderful outdoor sites, and being creative. https://yulefestkilkenny.ie/the-experience/
Talbots Tower Park to re-open to the public
The conservation and repair work to the roof at Talbots Tower are completed and the park at Talbots Tower will re-open again to the public shortly. The works to the medieval tower were co-funded by the Irish Walled Towns Network/Heritage Council and Kilkenny County Council.
View from the newly repaired roof at Talbot’s Tower
Winter Solstice: Spectacular lighting projection at Kilkenny Castle 20th Dec.
The Creative Ireland Programme, in partnership with RTÉ, is calling on Ireland to #ShineYourLight on Sunday Dec 20th at 8.30pm on the eve of the winter solstice. As part of the programme there will be a spectacular light projection at Kilkenny Castle, with words in Irish and English by author and broadcaster Manchán Magan. https://www.rte.ie/culture/2020/1130/1181433-shine-your-light-for-the-2020-winter-solstice/
National Heritage Week 2021 – Save the date!
The Heritage Council have confirmed that National Heritage Week 2021 will take place from Saturday 14th August to Sunday 22nd August 2021. The energy and commitment of the 750+ project organisers created heritage projects this year thus ensuring that Heritage Week remained a vibrant celebration of Ireland’s heritage. More details for 2021 will be available in the new year plus next year’s theme. To view Kilkenny’s 2020 projects, go to
https://www.heritageweek.ie/projects/?q=&where%5B%5D=kilkenny
Finding solace in nature
Biodiversity Ireland have confirmed a big increase in biological recording during 2020 with over 160,000 records through their system. To find out more about this and how you can help go to https://www.biodiversityireland.ie/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Biodiversity-Ireland-Issue-20_WEB.pdf?fbclid=IwAR04zHN0mBCOgZphYt9s7dbAIUg4gvqp0owHwSf84ZjCJJseb_5RgjCJqtM
