Funds announced for restoring historic buildings in Cork towns

Cork projects are among those to be awarded funding under the Historic Towns Initiative.

A joint undertaking by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Heritage Council, the initiative aims to promote the heritage- led regeneration of historic towns across Ireland.

Funding of €325,000 is being awarded to Mallow Castle to restore the remaining external windows which are at an advanced state of disrepair.

The funding will help to complete the external restoration and conservation of Mallow Castle house.

Cork county councillor Ronan Sheehan of the Labour Party said the decision by Cork County Council a number of years ago to purchase Mallow Castle was a visionary one and it has ensured that this historic site is protected and enjoyed by the public.

“Continued investment through initiatives such as this will help to further enhance and preserve the site for future generations,” he said.

In Fermoy, funding of €350,000 is being made available for the proposed works to 26 McCurtain St at the Old Soldier’s Home, that will repair the 19th century structure and restore its historic character.

KINSALE

In Kinsale, funding of €200,000 is being awarded towards Kinsale Market House, a focal building within the town centre that is also a national monument and houses a museum.

The initiative this year follows on from highly successful projects during 2018 to 2025. The scheme seeks proposals that encourage the specific reuse of historic buildings. The funding aims to support residential and business reuse in towns by keeping historic buildings in good conservation condition.

Minister of state for nature, heritage, and biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan said: “The Historic Towns Initiative works because it provides practical financial support to keep historic buildings in use, ensuring that they retain their position at the heart of community life. Taken together with increased annual allocations to key funding streams like the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Historic Structures Fund, the €2m announced demonstrates strong Government support for the protection of our built heritage and the promotion of heritage led regeneration across our towns and villages.”