Cork County Council Invites Applications for 2027 Heritage Conservation Funding

Cork County Council is encouraging owners and custodians of historic and protected buildings across the county to apply for funding under three built heritage schemes for 2027, following an announcement by Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan TD.

The three schemes are the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS), the Historic Thatched Buildings Stream (HTB) and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF), all aimed at supporting the repair, conservation and safeguarding of heritage properties.

The BHIS 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 within Architectural Conservation Areas. The scheme also offers funding of up to €30,000 for vernacular structures with distinctive local and regional character. Previous projects supported have included churches, shops, thatched houses, country houses, townhouses and school buildings.

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

The HSF focuses on 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, targeting larger enhancement, refurbishment or reuse projects where a clear community, public or residential benefit has been demonstrated. Projects must be advanced through the planning process as necessary.

Cllr Bernard Moynihan, Mayor of the County of Cork:

"Our historic buildings are part of what makes County Cork unique. These grants will help owners protect and restore important heritage properties, ensuring they remain at the heart of our towns, villages and communities for generations to come. I encourage anyone who may be eligible to apply."

Moira Murrell, Chief Executive of Cork County Council:

"County Cork is home to almost 3,000 protected structures and 52 Architectural Conservation Areas, making these grant schemes an important investment in preserving our shared heritage. In 2026, 25 historic properties across County Cork benefited from funding under these schemes, demonstrating the value of these schemes in safeguarding our built heritage."

The closing date for completed applications under the 2027 Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the 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 and guidance documents are available at corkcoco.ie.