Cork County Council Launches Public Consultation on County Heritage Strategy

Cork County Council is inviting the public to have their say in the development of a new Cork County Heritage Strategy, calling on individuals, groups, and organisations across the county to share their views.

The strategy will set out a vision for heritage in County Cork, establishing clear priorities and identifying the key themes that will guide protection, enjoyment, and investment in the county's heritage over the coming years.

County Cork is home to hundreds of heritage groups and a wide range of heritage professionals, including consultant archaeologists, conservation engineers, professional historians, archivists, conservation workers, and other heritage craft traders and service people. The strategy aims to speak to all of them, as well as to anyone with a general interest in local heritage.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, said,

"The County of Cork is rich in heritage, and this identity lies at the very heart of our communities. The Cork County Heritage Strategy aims to give heritage a strong foundation and a clear place of pride at local, regional, and national levels. Through this strategy, we seek to identify the key elements that define the unique heritage of County Cork. More importantly, it will guide us all in understanding what we can do, individually and collectively, to protect, promote, and engage with our shared heritage. As Mayor of the County of Cork, I encourage as many people as possible to get involved in the undertaking."

The initial consultation phase consists of a short questionnaire and the sending in of submissions. A number of public consultation meetings is also planned for 2026, with dates and locations to be provided.

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell, said,

"Cork County Council has great meas for the heritage of County Cork, and the undertaking of a Cork County Heritage Strategy is an exciting endeavour. With the initial consultation phase now underway, and the high levels of interest that will undoubtedly be seen, there is confidence that the Cork County Heritage Strategy will reflect the unique place of heritage in County Cork and the views and aspirations of the people that call it home."

The survey and written submissions remain open until Friday 26 June 2026. The questionnaire is available on the Heritage and Conservation section of corkcoco.ie. Written submissions can be sent by email to corkheritage@corkcoco.ieor by post to: Cork County Council, Heritage Office, Re: Heritage Strategy, Floor 3, County Hall, Carrigrohane Road, Cork, T12R2NC.