Funding package for councils for Decade of Centenaries
A range of funding supports, amounting to approximately €900,000, have been announced to assist local authorities in developing community-led commemorative initiatives in remembrance of the significant events that occurred in 1920.
Cork is considered cornerstone of this year’s commemorative programme, in recognition of the transformative events that occurred a century ago.
An appropriate State commemoration will be held this year on November 1 in Cork City – plans for which are being developed in accordance with the evolving public health advice and protective measures.
Other significant events which are remembered this year include the Connaught Rangers Mutiny, the Sacking of Balbriggan, Bloody Sunday, and the execution of Kevin Barry.
Welcoming the funding, Minister for Arts, Catherine Martin of the Green Party, said: “I want to sincerely thank our local authorities, who have developed their respective Decade of Centenaries programmes for this year with such enthusiasm, imagination and sensitivity, notwithstanding the very significant pressures that they face arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. A century ago, Ireland was in the midst of the Struggle for Independence and our local authorities have played a leading role in supporting the national conversation about this difficult period in our history.
“I plan to continue this collaborative approach between Government, Local Government and local communities, which provides a supportive structure to ensure that the complex and sensitive events that occurred during the Struggle for Independence are remembered in an authentic, respectful, measured and inclusive manner. This approach recognises the need to be sensitive to the local historical context and that there was no uniform experience within counties or across the island of Ireland during the Struggle for Independence and the Civil War. The sensitive and thoughtful leadership of local authorities will facilitate engagement from all communities and traditions.”