#InlandWaters - Waterways Ireland has launched its 2017 Heritage in the Community Grants Programme in support of the Waterways Ireland Heritage Plan 2016-2020.

The Waterways Ireland Heritage Plan provides, for the first time, a strategic framework for the integration of built, natural and cultural heritage into the future management of our inland waterways.

A fund of €20,000 has been allocated to assist community-based heritage projects which compliment or fulfil the delivery of the Waterways Ireland Heritage Plan along the Barrow Navigation, Erne System, Grand Canal, Lower Bann, Royal Canal, Shannon Navigation, Shannon-Erne Waterway and the Ulster Canal (Upper Lough Erne to Clones).

Applications will be considered from communities, individuals and organisations seeking assistance for projects related to inland waterways heritage.

This can include data collection and research; good heritage practice in managing sites, collections, etc; and support fresh approaches and initiatives that promote active engagement with heritage.

The application form is available from the Waterways Ireland website. The deadline for receipt of completed applications is 31 January 2017 whether by email or post.​

A range of criteria will be used to assess the applications, including how well the project compliments or fulfils an action of the Waterways Ireland Heritage Plan 2016-2020, the extent to which proposed activities benefit local heritage, the level of innovation and the capacity of applicants to carry out the proposed project.

Some types of support will not be considered under the Waterways Ireland's Heritage Grant Scheme. The application form and guidelines should be reviewed for clear information on project eligibility. Only one grant per organisation is permitted. Grants up to €1,500 (£1,200) are available.

Contact Cormac McCarthy at +353 (0)61 922 149, +353 (0)87 278 7463 or at [email protected] for any queries relating to the grants scheme.