Funding sought to restore old headstones in local graveyards

By Rebekah O'Reilly

A scheme to help clean and conserve old headstones in closed graveyards across the the District has been sought by a local councillor.

Cllr John Gibbons made the query at the September meeting of the Athlone-Moate Municipal District, pointing to the increased public interest in family history and genealogy following the publication of the 1926 Census.

He asked whether the Municipal District could provide funding or establish a community scheme to assist with the clean-up of old headstones in closed graveyards throughout the district.

In response, the Council Executive warned that care must be taken when carrying out any work in historic graveyards.

"Most of our closed graveyards are Archaeological Monuments, listed on the Record of Monuments and places (RMP) and as such they have protection under the National Monuments Legislation 1930-2014. Certain works require prior notification to and approval from the National Monuments Service, DHLGH.

"The Heritage Officer is always happy to meet with groups interested in working on closed graveyards and to advise regarding same."

The Council Executive confirmed that funding opportunities are available.

The Heritage Council's Community Grant Scheme is due to open for Expressions of Interest shortly, while the Environment Section provides limited funding through its Cemetery Maintenance Grant.