Kildare South Fine Gael TD and Minister Martin Heydon has welcomed an announcement by Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD of funding of €120,000 for Kildare towns historic round tower, under his Department’s annual Community Monuments Fund.
Minister Heydon said, “A beloved part of Kildare Town and St Brigid’s Cathedral, the round tower is the highest accessible round tower in Ireland and the second tallest overall. Today, €120,000 funding has been confirmed under the community monuments fund as an investment in its future. This funding will assist with the ongoing care, conservation and promotion of this remarkable monument and historic site in the lead up to next year’s Brigid1500 celebrations.
“I was delighted to welcome An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to Kildare town earlier this year when we visited St. Brigid’s Cathedral and adjoining round tower. The Taoiseach’s interest in the site brought attention to its importance and the need for funding ahead of the Brigid1500 celebrations next year. The confirmation of €120,000 in funding today for the ongoing care and conservation of the monument is a welcome development for the Kildare town community.
“The funding will be instrumental in ensuring that the site is well-maintained and adequately promoted in the lead up to Brigid1500, where plans are at an advanced stage. As a symbol of Ireland’s cultural heritage, the round tower will play a vital role in these festivities, and its continued preservation will be vital for future generations to appreciate the history and significance of this remarkable monument”, concluded Minister Heydon.