The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) is encouraging community groups to apply under the ‘Water Heritage Day Grants Scheme 2024’ to celebrate Water Heritage Day on August 25.
LAWPRO is a national shared service working on behalf of the 31 local authorities in Ireland coordinating efforts to achieve good water quality across the country.
Anthony Coleman, director of services at LAWPRO said: “We are delighted to once again invite community groups to organise a water-related event for Heritage Week. The theme of Heritage Week 2024 is ‘Connections, Routes & Network’, and our rivers play a big part in the connectivity of our island. In historic times they were networks for movement, trading and exploration.
“Water Heritage Day gives communities a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our heritage through water, whether it be hosting a river safari, a talk at the riverside, or launching a booklet on a local waterway. there are ample ways to get involved.”
Organisations are asked to consult with their local community water officer in advance of making an application. Their contact details are here: Communities Team – Local Authority Water Programme (lawaters.ie). The deadline for making an application is Tuesday, July 16.
Virginia Teehan, CEO of the Heritage Council commented: “Water Heritage Day continues to be a significant highlight during National Heritage Week every year, showcasing the creative and ingenious ways communities celebrate the impact of canals, lakes, rivers, and the sea on our local heritage.
“This year, particularly given the theme of ‘Connections, Routes, and Networks’, I am excited to see what kinds of events we see for Water Heritage Day. This LAWPRO grant scheme will enable people to explore and highlight our water-based connections, emphasising how vital they are to our natural heritage. It’s a wonderful opportunity for event organisers to avail of supports that will encourage them to dive into our shared history and appreciate the incredible resource our waters provide.”
To make an application see: LAWPRO Small Grants and Events Scheme 2024 | Online Consultation Portal of the Waters and Communities Office
LAWPRO works in partnership with the Heritage Council, and to run a Heritage Week event organisations are encouraged to register events on their website here: www.heritageweek.ie/get-involved/organise-an-event
By submitting an event on the Heritage Week website and receiving a LAWPRO grant, groups could also be in with a chance to win a Water Heritage Award in 2024, for more information on the awards visit: National Heritage Week Awards | National Heritage Week 17th – 25th August 2024