Hill of Uisneach set to benefit from World Heritage Strategic Investment Fund
World Heritage day, which was celebrated on Saturday, saw an announcement from TD’s James Browne and Christopher O’Sullivan regarding significant capital investment to support UNESCO world heritage ambitions across the country.
Sites across Ireland are set to benefit from this funding including Westmeaths own Hill of Uisneach.
The Royal Sites of Ireland fund received €58,000 which will be shared among three sites including Uisneach.
The funding is to support interpretation at the hill. This is the process of conveying the historical and cultural significance of a historical site.
In total there are 11 sites accessing the country set to benefit from the funding which comes to €365,000 in total.
“I am delighted to announce these awards under the 2026 Pilot World Heritage Strategic Investment Fund,” said James Browne TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
“This investment reflects the Programme for Government commitment to support additional UNESCO sites to showcase Ireland’s heritage internationally.
“These awards are an investment in remarkable cultural heritage sites that will help ensure they are protected for future generations. I wish all of the award recipients the best of luck in commencing their projects.”
Minister of State, Christopher O’Sullivan concurred and added, “This critical funding will help protect and conserve Ireland’s Tentative List sites as they progress through the World Heritage nomination process, ensuring their potential Outstanding Universal Value is recognised and safeguarded.
“By investing in conservation, research and presentation, and supporting the communities and custodians of these sites, we not only help maintain these extraordinary sites but we strengthen their role as places that connect people to our shared past, present and future and which will help them withstand the effects of climate change.”
The World Heritage Strategic Investment Fund is coordinated by the National Monuments Service.
The Fund supports a range of initiatives to conserve, maintain, protect, improve understanding and promote archaeological and built heritage within World Heritage Properties and Tentative List Sites in Ireland.
The objective of the Fund is to assist owners and custodians of sites within World Heritage Properties and Tentative List Sites protect and conserve them for present and future generations.
The Fund is also investing in improving interpretation, presentation and accessibility for local communities and the wider public.