Heritage Building Grants Worth Up to €50,000 Now Available for Cork Properties

Cork County Council is urging owners of historic and protected structures to apply for substantial government grants aimed at preserving the county's architectural heritage, with funding of up to €50,000 available for qualifying properties.

The announcement from Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O'Sullivan unveils two key funding streams for 2026: the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and the Historic Thatched Buildings Stream (HTB).

Under the BHIS, property owners can secure grants of up to €50,000 for repair and conservation works on protected structures, proposed protected structures, and buildings within Architectural Conservation Areas. The scheme also provides up to €30,000 specifically for vernacular structures; those distinctive buildings that reflect Cork's unique local character.

The HTB Stream focuses particularly on preserving Ireland's traditional thatched buildings, offering funding that covers 80% of conservation costs up to a maximum of €20,000. Both domestic and commercial thatched properties are eligible for this specialised support.

Cork's rich architectural heritage makes it particularly well-placed to benefit from these schemes. The county is home to nearly 3,000 protected structures and 52 Architectural Conservation Areas, ranging from grand country houses to modest thatched cottages that dot the countryside from Bantry to Youghal.

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

"Safeguarding our heritage buildings is of vital importance. I welcome this announcement and encourage people to avail of these schemes in order to preserve older buildings, many of which are the heart of our communities as well as cultural resources where we reside and work. These schemes protect cherished historic structures, so they can be enjoyed for generations to come."

The impact of previous funding rounds demonstrates the schemes' value to Cork. In 2025 alone, 24 historic properties across the county have already benefited from an investment exceeding €480,000. Past recipients have included everything from churches and school buildings to town houses and traditional thatched homes.

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell:

"County Cork is home to nearly 3,000 protected structures and 52 Architectural Conservation Areas. The Built Heritage Investment Scheme has benefited the County's heritage significantly in the last number of years. In 2025, 24 historic properties in the County of Cork have benefited from an investment of over €480,000 under these schemes."

Property owners interested in applying have until 4pm on Friday, 26 September 2025 to submit their applications. The process is straightforward: completed applications can be emailed to conservation@corkcoco.ie or posted to the Heritage and Conservation Office at County Hall.

For those considering an application, Cork County Council's Heritage and Conservation team can provide guidance on eligibility and the application process. Full details and application forms are available in the heritage and conservation section of www.corkcoco.ie.

With many of Cork's historic buildings facing ongoing maintenance challenges, particularly given recent weather events and the general wear of time, these grants offer a crucial lifeline for preservation efforts. Whether it's repointing the stonework on a Georgian townhouse in Cobh, replacing thatch on a traditional cottage near Macroom, or restoring windows in a Victorian schoolhouse, the funding can make the difference between gradual decay and successful conservation.

The schemes particularly recognise the financial burden that maintaining historic properties can place on owners, many of whom act as custodians of buildings that contribute significantly to Cork's cultural landscape and tourism appeal.

Applications will be assessed based on the urgency of works required, the significance of the structure, and the quality of the proposed conservation approach. Given the competitive nature of the schemes and the September deadline, early application is advisable.