Monaghan County Council Heritage Section has been awarded a total of €140,000 in funding by The Heritage Council, delivering a major boost for heritage conservation and community-led projects across the county.
The funding includes €80,000 under the 2026 Historic Towns Initiative to carry out essential remedial conservation works to the Rossmore Memorial Fountain, one of Monaghan town’s most distinctive and valued heritage landmarks. The Historic Towns Initiative forms part of a €2 million national investment, supporting 18 historic towns across Ireland.
This significant investment represents a major step forward in protecting and celebrating Monaghan’s built heritage, ensuring the long-term preservation of the Rossmore Memorial Fountain for future generations while enhancing the historic character of the town.
In addition, the Heritage Council has awarded €40,000 to Monaghan County Council Heritage Section to support the delivery of County Heritage Plan projects, enabling a wide range of initiatives that promote awareness, understanding and care of Monaghan’s heritage including the Monaghan Minor Placenames Project and a local heritage grant scheme to support community initiatives.
A further €20,000 has been awarded jointly to the Heritage Section and Monaghan County Museum to support the development of a Community Archaeology project, which will encourage local participation and engagement with Monaghan’s archaeological heritage.
Commenting on the announcements, Monaghan County Council’s Director of Services Cathal Flynn welcomed the funding as a strong endorsement of the county’s ongoing commitment to heritage conservation.
“Monaghan County Council are delighted that the Rossmore Memorial Fountain has been successful in securing funding under the 2026 Historic Towns Initiative. We are proud to see Monaghan recognised among the select towns receiving conservation funding this year and we look forward to commencing the project restoration works.”
Monaghan County Council Chief Executive Robert Burns welcomed the announcement, highlighting the broader value of the investment for communities across the county.
“This funding represents a very positive investment in Monaghan’s heritage and in the communities who care for it. By supporting conservation, archaeology and community-led heritage initiatives, we are helping to protect our shared heritage while strengthening local pride, identity and participation across the county.”
Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, PJ O’Hanlon, also welcomed the announcement and acknowledged the importance of continued investment in protecting and promoting Monaghan’s heritage.
“I welcome this significant investment from The Heritage Council, which will play an important role in the conservation of Monaghan’s heritage assets and in supporting community engagement with our shared history. Projects such as the restoration of the Rossmore Memorial Fountain demonstrate a strong commitment to preserving the character and heritage of our towns for future generations.”
Monaghan County Council Heritage Officer Kara Ward also acknowledged the vital support of partners and funders in delivering these initiatives, including Monaghan County Museum, Monaghan Municipal District, The Heritage Council, and the Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government. “The delivery of these projects would not be possible without the continued commitment and collaboration of our partners and funders. Their support plays a vital role in enabling us to conserve Monaghan’s heritage, support community involvement and deliver meaningful projects across the county.”