Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea has welcomed the announcement of new funding schemes to support the conservation, repair and protection of historic and heritage buildings across County Cork.
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, has announced funding for three built heritage schemes for 2027 – the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS), Historic Thatched Buildings Stream (HTB) and Historic Structures Fund (HSF).
Deputy O’Shea is encouraging owners and custodians of historic and protected buildings across Cork North-West to examine the schemes and consider applying for funding where eligible.
The Built Heritage Investment Scheme provides grants of up to €50,000 to support essential conservation and repair works to historic buildings. Eligible properties include protected structures, proposed protected structures and buildings located within Architectural Conservation Areas.
The scheme also provides funding of up to €30,000 for vernacular structures, including buildings with distinctive local and regional character. Previous projects supported under the scheme include churches, shops, thatched houses, country houses, townhouses and school buildings.
The Historic Thatched Buildings Stream supports conservation and repair works to historic thatched buildings. Owners or occupiers of historic thatched structures, whether domestic or commercial, can apply for grants covering up to 80% of eligible conservation costs, to a maximum of €20,000.
Meanwhile, the Historic Structures Fund is focused on the conservation and enhancement of historic structures and buildings for the wider benefit of communities and the public. A smaller number of grants ranging from €50,000 to €200,000 will be awarded, with a particular focus on larger enhancement, refurbishment or reuse projects where a clear community, public or residential benefit can be demonstrated.
Welcoming the announcement, Deputy O’Shea said “Cork North-West is home to a wealth of historic buildings and structures which form an important part of the character and identity of our towns, villages and rural communities.
“From historic town buildings and country houses to traditional thatched properties and community buildings, our built heritage tells the story of our communities and is something we need to protect for future generations.
“These funding schemes provide a very welcome opportunity for owners and custodians to undertake essential conservation and repair works that might otherwise be difficult to fund.
“I would encourage anyone in Cork North West who owns or is responsible for a historic or protected structure to look at the eligibility criteria and consider making an application. Supporting the restoration and reuse of these buildings can also make an important contribution to the regeneration and vitality of our towns and villages.
“I particularly welcome the significant level of funding available under the Historic Structures Fund for larger projects where there is a clear community or public benefit.”
Cork County Council has advised that the closing date for completed applications under the 2027 Built Heritage Investment Scheme and Historic Thatched Buildings Stream is 4.00pm on Friday, 30 October 2026.
The closing date for completed applications under the 2027 Historic Structures Fund is 4.00pm on Friday, 27 November 2026.
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.
Application forms, eligibility criteria, details of qualifying works and guidance documents are available from Cork County Council.
Fermoy Presbyterian Church was awarded funding through the 2026 BHIS.
Photo: Cork County Council
