Over €900,000 Boost for Heritage Projects Across Cork County
Over €900,000 in funding has been announced for 12 heritage conservation projects across Cork County, covering historic churches, graveyards, and archaeological sites.
Twelve architectural and archaeological conservation projects throughout Cork County are set to benefit from funding of over €900,000, supporting the preservation of the county's built and historical heritage.
The funding is provided by the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage through two schemes: the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) and the Community Monuments Fund (CMF).
Three projects will receive support under the Historic Structures Fund, which provides grants of between €50,000 and €200,000 to protect and restore significant heritage properties. These are the Church of the Ascension in Timoleague, Kinsale Municipal District Council Office, and St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Skibbereen.
A further nine projects will benefit under the Community Monuments Fund, which focuses on safeguarding archaeological heritage and improving public access. Recipients include Rathbarry Medieval Church, Abbeymahon Church and Graveyard, Kilmonogue Church and Graveyard, Kilmacow Graveyard, and St. Mary's Church and Graveyard in Schull. Additional funding will support works at Coolbane Mill, Cloyne Round Tower, and St. Multose Church in Kinsale, along with an archaeological survey at Ráth Ghaiscígh Ringfort in Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh.
The funding will be used for conservation works, reports, and management plans designed to strengthen resilience against climate change and ensure long-term preservation.
Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley, Mayor of the County of Cork, said:
"County Cork has a wealth of architectural and archaeological heritage, with over 2,000 protected structures and 19,000 recorded sites and monuments. This funding plays a vital role in preserving these assets for future generations."
Moira Murrell, Chief Executive of Cork County Council, added:
"This year's investments reflects the growing recognition of the importance of heritage conservation. The increased funding compared to last year highlights the continued commitment to protecting the County of Cork's built and archaeological heritage."
