Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have no doubt that Finglas should get the respect it deserves. I am glad that the Deputy recognises that funding has been secured. I did not realise that earlier. Some €115,000 was allocated over the past two years to recognise the importance of the monument on which I have no doubt the Deputy wants to build.

The CMF helps to progress heritage projects throughout the country to ensure that heritage is protected as a community asset and made more accessible to complement the work happening in the community. Locals such as the Lynch family are making that happen. It is fitting that the fund is there to support such work. The measure also allows steps to be taken under the climate change action plan with regard to our archaeological heritage and creates employment for many small businesses, skilled conservation specialists and tradespeople involved in heritage-related construction activity.

Significant funding to the tune of €115,000 has been awarded under the CMF for works at St. Canice’s graveyard over the past couple of years. The Minister of State, Deputy Noonan, hopes to announce details of the scheme for 2023 in the coming weeks and departmental officials would be happy to accept an application for funding of further works at St Canice’s. It is important that the application process be tracked.

I express my sincere thanks to the local authority staff, the local community and those in the National Monuments Service, all of whom work diligently to ensure the success of this fund. I encourage all custodians of national monuments to consider putting together applications for the fund for 2023. The Deputy may talk to the committee to make sure it gets ready for the application process that will open in the near future.

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