Cork council probing cost of renovating historic 'alms' houses built in 1624

Cork County Council is going to bear the costs of renovating five historic alms houses in Youghal which were built by Richard Boyle, the 1st Earl of Cork.

Built at the town’s North Main Street in 1624 the houses are extremely rare surviving examples of late medieval alms houses in the country.

Known as ‘Boyle’s Alms Houses', they were originally constructed to house widows and widowers. They were taken over by the county council some years ago but have significantly deteriorated because of their age.

Fianna Fáil councillor Patrick Mulcahy asked senior council officials about the future of the historic structures after expressing concern about their current deteriorating state.

He said three of the five houses are still occupied by county council tenants.

Mr Mulcahy acknowledged refurbishing them will cost significant money because of their historic significance and restrictions which might be in place on what can and can’t be done.

He added that a number of different agencies would probably have to be consulted on the council's plans.

John Conroy, acting director of housing services, said the council is currently assessing the works required to renovate the five residential units.

He said the scope of works under consideration includes insulation upgrades, fire safety and fireproofing works, electrical upgrades, internal renovations and associated finishes.

“Initial indicative cost estimates for these works significantly exceed the level of funding available through existing voids or energy retrofit funding streams. As a result, alternative funding sources, together with an appropriate procurement approach, will need to be identified and assessed before the project can progress further,” 

Mr Conroy said.

He said the council has commenced engagement with the relevant statutory authorities in relation to planning, conservation, and fire control requirements, recognising the sensitive nature of the building.

Mr Conroy said he would keep councillors informed when a decision has been reached on the final renovation plans which he acknowledged will be very costly as the houses are in a poor state of repair.

Keith Jones, another senior council official, said it’s unlikely the council will be able to acquire any national funding for the project and will have to bear the cost from its own resources.

Mayor of County Cork Independent councillor Mary Linehan-Foley urged the council to act swiftly on the project. "The longer we leave it the worse the conditions will get,” she said.

She then turned her attention to another historic building it the town, 'The Quaker Cottage', which is also owned by the council and needs upgrading.

She said if it couldn’t be used for housing, it could be become a “a community hub.” Mr Jones said he'd look at it and report back.