Heritage and Conservation

Laois County Council provide information and advice about archaeological finds, the protection of national, historic and recorded monuments, and the impact of development on or near archaeological sites.

Local authorities may support community and voluntary groups and individuals to improve local heritage sites by providing heritage advice and help with site surveys, excavations and the stabilisation of ruins.

Local authorities may support community and voluntary groups who are developing community heritage projects by providing heritage advice, supporting them with projects and facilitating engagement between national heritage stakeholders and the local community.

There are a number of high-quality community and privately-run museums and heritage centres in County Laois, each with its own particular strengths in interpreting the cultural heritage of the county.

Laois Heritage Office provide information and advice to promote and increase public awareness of local heritage.

Local authorities may run education programmes, commemorations, re-enactments and open days to raise awareness of, protect and preserve local heritage.

Laois County Council provide information to the public on historic burial grounds to protect their historic, cultural and social importance and preserve them for the future.

Information on National Monuments, reporting of Monuments and related databases.

Laois County Council Heritage Office support events and activities for National Heritage Week annually.

Laois County Council maintain a public record of protected structures. Protected structures are structures which are of architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest.

Laois County Council provide information and advice about the conservation and protection of historic structures.

Local authorities may manage heritage buildings and sites to protect their historic, cultural and social importance and secure their long term future for the benefit of the community.

Laois County Council provide information and advice to history and heritage groups and the public on preserving archives, local history and donating archive collections. They use social media and websites to raise awareness of their resources.

Archive Services provide researchers, students and the public supervised access to archives in a dedicated reading room.

Laois County Council provide information and advice to the public about protecting habitats, planting wildlife meadows, developing and preserving ecosystems, and removing invasive species to protect local biodiversity.

Local authorities may provide financial support for the repair and conservation of protected structures and buildings in an architectural conservation area. A protected structure is one with architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest.

Information on grants available to communities and heritage groups to carry out projects which help to conserve, promote and improve local heritage.

Local authorities may provide financial support to owners of historic structures and buildings to conserve and improve them for the benefit of communities and the public.

Laois Heritage Office prepare plans for the protection and conservation of the built, natural and cultural heritage of County Laois.

Local authorities may provide heritage education to school children and community, voluntary and heritage groups to increase their knowledge and appreciation of local heritage.

Information on scheme to provide primary schools with access to heritage specialists who can work with teachers and students to develop a knowledge of, and appreciation for, local heritage as part of the national Heritage in Schools Scheme.

Laois County Council prepares plans to protect local heritage. You can have an input into the plans through consultation.