Cork County Council Awards €52,850 to Local Heritage Projects

Cork County Council has announced the allocation of €52,850 in grant funding to support 33 heritage projects across the county under its Heritage Grant Scheme 2025. The funding, which represents an increase of €8,250 compared to last year, will benefit initiatives across all eight Municipal Districts in County Cork.

The County Cork Heritage Grant Scheme, which has been operating since 2021 with support from The Heritage Council, funds projects focusing on natural, built, archaeological and cultural heritage throughout the region. The programme has seen steady growth in its funding allocation year on year.

Among the diverse range of projects receiving support this year are a Conservation Assessment of Holy Wells in Bandon Town Park, the Tracton Natural Heritage Festival planned for Heritage Week 2025, a photographic exhibition documenting 20th century life in Kanturk, and The Otterly Communities Project in Glengarriff which will include workshops on otter ecology.

Other funded initiatives include a heritage play based on the life of Ellen Hutchins, Ireland's first female botanist, and a video documentary on the Holy Wells of West Cork. The scheme will also support the restoration of the Train Mural on a prominent wall in Skibbereen, which commemorates the historic rail route through the town.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Joe Carroll, welcomed the allocations, stating:

"Our county has a rich and diverse range of heritage amenities, and these allocations will support local heritage leaders who volunteer their time and effort and work tirelessly to preserve these amenities. This year the scheme is supporting 33 projects; all of which promote local and national heritage and create a legacy for future generations to come."

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell, added:

"The Cork County Heritage Grant Scheme has been instrumental in supporting local heritage projects around the county over the years. The Scheme demonstrates the Council's commitment to supporting local heritage and sense of place. Cork County Council is also grateful to the Heritage Council for its continued support of the scheme, a scheme that is reaching more and more heritage groups and projects, year after year".

Many of the funded projects will culminate in events during National Heritage Week 2025, scheduled from Saturday 16th to Sunday 24th August. Those interested in learning more about the scheme can contact corkheritage@corkcoco.ie for additional information.