Latest news with #RestorationProject
Irish Independent
24-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Funding announced for historic exhibitions at two County Mayo museums
The RMES aims to encourage greater access to museums and promote them as tourist resources. Seventeen projects across Ireland will benefit from the scheme, which has a total funding allocation of €192,193 for 2025. The Irish Independent spoke to Yvonne Corcoran-Loftus, manager of the Jackie Clarke Collection, who said the museum was 'thrilled to receive the funding,' calling it 'a real boost for the team and a fantastic opportunity for the Jackie Clarke Collection.' The collection was accumulated by the late Jackie Clarke (1927–2000), a local fishmonger with a deep passion for Irish history and politics. A genius collector, Mr Clarke wished for the archive to be donated to the people of Ballina. His wife fulfilled that wish in 2005, gifting the collection to Mayo County Council. In 2013, it was made publicly accessible in the restored old Provincial Bank on Pearse Street. The star of the Jackie Clarke collection is an original copy of the 1916 Irish Proclamation, stored inside of an original bank vault in the museum. Other artefacts include a handwritten letter from Michael Collins, a cockade badge worn by Theobald Wolfe Tone, and an original copy of the 1665 issue of the Oxford Gazette Newspaper The RMES funding will go towards 'Ireland's Memory Room: Restoration Project'. The main exhibition in the museum, it houses an exceptional collection of artefacts, primarily original historical documents covering major events from the 1600s to the 1900s. 'It is a truly remarkable collection, but it needs to be presented in a way that allows visitors to fully engage with its depth and significance,' said Yvonne. 'For those with a background in Irish history, it is undoubtedly fascinating, but for the average visitor, it can feel overwhelming.' Joining the Jackie Clarke Collection only last year, Yvonne approached the museum with a fresh perspective. 'One of the first things that struck me about Ireland's Memory Room was that, while the content is truly exceptional, the room itself didn't have a natural flow'. The Restoration Project involves a full redesign and layout of the room, with a focus on creating a visually engaging and accessible exhibition. It includes the design and production of four A3 interpretive panels, one case panel (800mm x 600mm), and four wall panels (800mm x 1200mm), as well as the upgrade of five existing display cases and the addition of 20-25 interpretive labels in both English and Irish. 'This project directly aligns with the aims of the RMES, which is designed to enhance access to museums as key cultural and tourist resources,' Yvonne explained. 'By improving the quality, accessibility, and storytelling of this permanent exhibition, we'll provide a more enriched experience for local audiences and strengthen our appeal to cultural tourists.' 'Museums should be inclusive, welcoming spaces that allow everyone, regardless of background, to connect meaningfully with history. That's our goal here at the Jackie Clarke Collection, 'Getting the maximum award of €15,000 feels like a strong endorsement of the work we are doing and the potential of Ireland's Memory Room to become something truly special.' Yvonne expressed her thanks to Anne Marie Forbes, who works closely with the local community, saying they have been 'amazing at supporting the collection.' She also extended her thanks to those who support the museum behind the scenes, Austin Vaughan, County Librarian; Joanne Greham, Director of Services at Mayo County Council; Kevin Kelly, Chief Executive of Mayo County Council; and all the museum staff. Education remains a central pillar of the museum's mission. In addition to running on-site workshops for school groups, Education Officer Celene Brennan leads an outreach programme that brings the museum experience directly to schools unable to visit Ballina. 'We recognised that not all schools can travel to Ballina due to rising transport costs or limited funding, so we brought the museum to them. Our Outreach Programme is not just about access, it's about impact,' said Yvonne. The Knock Shrine Museum also welcomed funding through the RMES. Here it will be used for the professional conservation of a Processional Statue of Our Lady of Knock, to make it accessible to the public in a special exhibition. 'The funding enables us to complete this very worthwhile conservation project,' explained Robert Flatley, the collections care officer at Knock Museum. 'It also gives us the opportunity to complete an extra exhibition project this year.' The plaster statue that is being conserved was the Rosary Processional Statue at Knock Shrine for many years and is cherished by the Cairde Mhuire volunteer group, as well as visiting pilgrims and visitors to Knock Shrine. Robert explained why the restoration is needed: 'When the statue was mounted on a mechanised trolley for procession, it became too tall to exit the Basilica of Our Lady Queen of Ireland. The Knock Shrine Society decided to remove a section at the base. It was cut just above the feet with a concrete saw, and there was also a trial cut just below the feet.' The RMES funding will be used to reconnect the feet to the body of the statue and professionally fill the trial cut. The statue will then be treated with remedial works, where the conservator will survey for any further flaws and also perform a complete conservation clean-up of the item. Sculptor conservator Jason Ellis, who has previously worked with the museum, will carry out the work. In regards to the exhibition launch Robert said: 'We hope to launch the exhibition with a talk by John Hynes, head of the Cairde Mhuire, the volunteer group who have helped pilgrimages in Knock since 1935. This particular statue is very close to John's heart. He initially approached us about it in 2023 to see if it could be restored.' He added: 'We are delighted with, and thankful to the department for approving the funding. It has given us the chance to move further ahead with our long-term exhibition plans this year.' The Knock Museum tells the story of the Knock Apparition in August 1879. Visitors can read the testimonies of the 15 official witnesses all while placing the story of the Apparition in the context of life in rural Ireland at that time. The museum covers 140 years of history and displays a life-sized thatched cottage which is a replica of the home where five of the witnesses lived. The museum's 'Memories of Knock' initiative invites visitors to share their personal reflections and stories of faith. A tradition that dates back to soon after the Apparition happened, where people began writing letters to Archdeacon Cavanagh telling him of their visits to Knock. The letters give an insight into the social history of Ireland at the time and can be viewed in the museum. Today, visitors are able to write down their thoughts and memories of Knock. 'People get great pleasure in writing down their thoughts, memories, and personal stories,' said Robert. 'From a legacy perspective, they are a wonderful gift to future generations.' Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan, announced the RMES funding and said, 'It gives me great pleasure to announce this funding of over €190,000 for our local and regional museums. My department's commitment to supporting projects under this scheme has allowed cultural bodies to enhance their exhibitions and to improve the cultural offering to the communities they serve, 'These institutions are an extremely important resource for accessing culture and heritage in towns and villages across the country and contribute to a sense of place and community. These museums help to preserve and promote our cultural heritage and I send my best wishes for their continued success."
Agriland
22-05-2025
- General
- Agriland
Research: ‘Strong' public support for wetland restoration
New research unveiled today (Thursday, May 22) at the 'Tóchar: A Path from the Past, A Future for Wetlands' conference reveals a strong public interest in wetlands. The RED C research, commissioned by the Tóchar Midlands Wetlands Restoration Project, provides insights into Irish attitudes toward wetlands, restoration benefits, and the perceived impact on rural livelihoods. The findings were presented during a lively day of discussions and community engagement at the conference, where the opening address from John Feehan explored the role of ecological processes for the future of wetlands. The event brought together policymakers, ecologists, landowners, contractors, and local voices to explore the path ahead for wetlands in the midlands. Held in Abbeyleix, Co. Laois, the event opened with a 'Wake Up to the Bog' walk and featured keynote addresses from representatives of the European Commission and the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Tóchar Project representatives and a range of community voices such as Abbeyleix Bog Project, Women in Nature Restoration and the Tóchar Fens Restoration project. Welcoming the research, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne said: 'Through the Tóchar Project, the National Parks and Wildlife Service is restoring vital wetlands not only to protect biodiversity, but also to ensure that communities who have long been dependent on peatlands are part of a fair and inclusive transition. 'I am delighted that the NPWS is supporting initiatives like Tóchar that combine social equity with environmental stewardship. 'The research being launched today highlights the deep connection Irish people feel to our wetlands and underscores the public's growing support for nature-based solutions to climate and biodiversity challenges. 'We need to ensure that meeting these challenges delivers climate action benefits while preserving livelihoods and our heritage,' the minister added. Speaking about the research, Minister of State for nature, heritage and biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan added: 'The restoration of Ireland's wetlands is a vital step in protecting our natural heritage and tackling climate change. Stephanie Ganter-Houzel, programme manager, Directorate General for Regional and Urban Policy, European Commission; Shirley Clerkin, project manager, Tòchar Midlands Wetlands Restoration Scheme; Clare Bannon, acting director, Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly. Image source: Karl Hussey Photography 'These ecosystems are at the heart of our biodiversity and play a crucial role in flood management, carbon storage, and sustaining rural communities. 'Through the Tóchar Project, we are not just restoring landscapes, we are strengthening the connection between people and nature. 'This initiative ensures that wetland restoration is carried out in a way that benefits both the environment and the communities who have relied on these lands for generations.' The junior minister said the government is committed to working with all stakeholders to create a sustainable future where conservation and rural livelihoods can thrive side by side. Research on attitudes to wetlands The research was commissioned to better understand how people across Ireland perceive wetlands and their restoration and this was a key topic of discussion throughout the event. The findings reinforced many of the themes raised during panel discussions and storytelling sessions, such as 'Stories from the Community' and 'The Irish Perspective: Reflections on the Past and a Look to the Future', where local peat contractors, landowners, and ecologists shared their lived experiences and aspirations for the transition. The project group has said that it is clear that while there is strong support for nature-based solutions like wetland restoration, the concerns of rural communities whose lives and traditions are closely tied to these landscapes need to be acknowledged. Key research findings include: 61% of Irish adults have visited a wetland area, with this number rising to nearly 70% in the EU Just Transition Territory counties; Nature restoration (72%), flood mitigation (57%), and carbon storage (50%) rank as the top perceived benefits of wetland restoration; While many support wetland restoration, 49% of respondents express concern about its impact, particularly on traditional rural livelihoods; One in three Irish adults have heard of wetland restoration projects, but there is a need for better communication and community engagement. Awareness is significantly higher in the EU Just Transition Territory counties. The Tóchar Project, a three-year initiative managed by the NPWS and co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund, is dedicated to restoring vital landscapes across the midlands. Ireland's wetlands play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, carbon storage, and climate resilience. However, many of these fragile ecosystems have been degraded over time, according to Tóchar. The project is focusing on restoring degraded wetlands in Kildare, Galway, Roscommon, Laois, Longford, Offaly, Tipperary, and Westmeath, working closely with local communities to ensure a just transition. Tóchar project manager, Shirley Clerkin stressed the importance of collaboration: 'The research shows that wetland restoration is about more than just conservation; it's about people and their ongoing relationship with their environment. 'The survey results demonstrate an understanding of wetland ecosystem benefits but also show where we need to work together to enhance and build capacity for wetland restoration in the midlands. 'By working with communities, landowners, and peat contractors we can create a legacy of sustainable living, climate resilience, and biodiversity protection that benefits everyone.' The event closed with a 'Rejuvenation Bog Walk', allowing attendees to experience first-hand the landscapes that are the focus of Ireland's wetland restoration movement.
