Funding package of more than €900k will help preserve some of Cork's most iconic buildings    

OVER €900,000 has been pledged in financial support for Cork heritage projects through the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS).

Minister of State with responsibility for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, announced €9m in funding for 676 heritage projects across every county in Ireland, €924,169 of which will be going to 44 projects in Cork.

The two schemes support the conservation of historic buildings and help fund a variety of repairs and renovation works to prevent deterioration, protect character, and encourage the re-use of protected structures.

Conservation works

The HSF provides grants of between €15,000 and €200,000 to support major conservation works to significant historic buildings.

€610,000 of a total of €4.5m went to 12 projects in Cork, including €114,000 for the Cork Public Museum, €100,000 for St Mary’s Church, €100,000 for Sirius Arts Centre in Cobh, and €96,000 for Mallow Castle House.

The BHIS provides grants of up to €15,000 for maintenance and smaller conservation works to help prevent historic buildings from falling into disrepair and possible disuse.

A total of €314,168.72 went to 32 projects in Cork including €15,000 for Our Lady of The Rosary Church in Shanakiel, €14,800 for Kiltoohig in Charleville, €11,827.50 for Midleton College on Connolly St, €10,000 for St Anne’s Church in Shandon, and €10,000 for the YMCA building on Marlboro Street.

Mr Noonan said: “The level of funding available highlights the Government’s ongoing commitment to the built heritage that communities know and love.

“These schemes also provide valuable work for the many traditional craft and tradespeople across Ireland, helping to keep these unique skills alive.”

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, said it is “wonderful” to see a record number of projects being approved for funding under this year’s Historic Structures Fund.