Cork heritage building owners invited to apply for conservation grants

Owners of historic buildings across Cork are being encouraged to apply for conservation grants worth up to €50,000 under a suite of heritage funding schemes announced by Cork County Council.

Applications are now being invited under the 2027 Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS), the Historic Thatched Buildings Stream (HTBS), and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF), all aimed at supporting the protection and restoration of the county's built heritage.

The schemes provide financial assistance for conservation and repair works to protected structures, historic buildings, and traditional thatched properties.

Eligible properties include protected structures, proposed protected structures, and buildings located within Architectural Conservation Areas.

The scheme also offers funding of up to €30,000 for vernacular structures, such as buildings with distinctive local and regional character.

The HTB supports repairs to historic thatched roof buildings, whether domestic or commercial, with grants covering up to 80% of eligible conservation costs, to a maximum of €20,000.

The HSF’s primary focus is to assist in the conservation and enhancement of historic structures and buildings for the broader benefit of communities and the public.

The fund awards a small number of grants ranging from €50,000 up to €200,000 and focuses on larger enhancement, refurbishment or reuse projects involving heritage structures, where a clear community or public benefit has been demonstrated, or where a clear residential benefit has been demonstrated.

Projects must be advanced through the planning process as necessary.

The closing date for applications to the BHIS and the HTB has been set for 4pm on October 30.

The closing date for applications under the HSF has been set for 4pm on November 27.

Applications may be submitted by email to conservation@corkcoco.ie or by post to the Heritage and Conservation Office, Floor 3, Planning Department, County Hall, Cork.