Grants scheme for community events to mark 1916 centenary

A grants scheme is available for community projects and events to mark the centenary of the 1916 Rising in Westmeath.

Westmeath County Council, in association with Ireland 2016 and the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, launched a grant scheme which will see funding made available to local groups interested in advancing projects to mark the centenary of the 1916 Rising in Westmeath.

Ireland 2016 is a national initiative to develop, coordinate and deliver a programme for the 2016 centenary year with local, national, and international events,  The Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme is built on seven programme strands which taken together reflect the themes of remembering, reconciling, presenting, imagining and celebrating.

Announcing the initative, Cathaoirleach of the council, and Chair of the Westmeath 2016 Steering Group, Cllr Paul Daly stated:  “Westmeath County Council is in the process of developing a local commemorative programme of events to mark the centenary and would welcome proposals from groups who would contribute to this programme. 

'The Council propose to provide grant support toward the cost of such events and are inviting applications. The key objective of the grant funding is to provide support to local and community initiatives marking this important event in the history of our country,” added Cllr Daly.

Funding support will be up to a maximum of 75% of costs incurred and applications received will be assessed based on selection criteria. Projects may include but is not limited to arts heritage, educational, cultural, sports, active retirement, youth, Irish language, etc.  

To be eligible for funding, the event / project must be based in Westmeath and take place during the commemorative period, ideally in spring 2016.  
Priority will be given to applications received by Westmeath County Council prior to Friday, August 14 next.

Further information and Application Forms are available on Westmeath County Council website at http://www.westmeathcoco.ie/en/ourservices/communitydevelopment/ireland2016commemorativesupportgrants/ or by contacting the Community Development department of Westmeath County Council at 044 9332051.