€700k awarded to 6 projects
Six Cork projects are set to reap the benefits of a fund aimed at safeguarding historic structures into the future for the benefit of communities and the public.
Details of the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2026 were recently announced with projects across Cork city and council awarded €689,899.
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD recently announced the funding of which Cork received the largest allocation in this round of funding.
The Cork TD said this will see repairs and improvement of some of “our most cherished heritage buildings.”
He added: “The award of funding under the Historic Structures Fund is a demonstration of the Government’s commitment to preserving and enhancing Cork’s architectural legacy.
“Along with the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, this Government is continuing its commitment to safeguard our built heritage, keeping many buildings in use and helping to bring many others back into use.”
Minister O’Sullivan pointed to the Historic Structures Fund having an economic impact too.
“The funding also supports the survival of the skills and expertise needed to maintain our built heritage and this will also have an economic benefit by generating employment for heritage contractors and other skilled crafts and tradespeople across the country.
“Communities across the country know the value of our built heritage, and many of them dedicate their time, passion and expertise to ensuring their protection.
“I’m proud as Minister for Heritage to be able to support their work through schemes like the Historic Structures Fund,” added the Fianna Fáil TD.
Alongside other heritage funding streams such as the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the recently re-opened Conservation Advice Grant Scheme, the Historic Structures Fund aims to conserve, protect, and promote the use of historic buildings across our cities, towns, villages, and countryside.
This year, 40 projects across Ireland will benefit from €4.42 million in HSF funding.
The scheme operates on a match-funding basis with owners and custodians of historic buildings obliged to contribute towards the final cost of works.
“This grant can make the difference between a cherished heritage building falling into disrepair or being restored and valued as part of a thriving streetscape. I know this funding will have a huge impact around the country. I look forward to seeing the results for myself over the coming months and years.”
The funding was awarded to:
• The Church of the Ascension, Timoleague - €106,767 for repairs at the Church of the Ascension including floor and marble wainscoting repairs along with stabilisation of internal climate through the introduction of underfloor heating.
• 15 Georges Quay, Cork city - €170,000 for external plaster repair, repair of roof structure, repair rainwater goods, new timber sash windows, and internal conservation works.
• National Sculpture Factory, Albert Road, Cork city - €103,132 for renovation, conservation and restoration of the barge coping and cast-iron gutters.
• St. Laurence's Cheshire Home, Lower Glanmire Road, Cork city – €50,000 window repairs, railing repairs and installation of a steel frame to support the repaired portico on the northern elevation.
• Kinsale Municipal District Office - €130,000 awarded to Cork County Council for repair of existing roof, parapet and renewal of parapet gutter to address significant water ingress causing timber decay in the roof structure.
• St Patrick’s Cathedral, Skibbereen – €130,000 for pitches to be re-slated on new battens and breathable felt. Works to replace the porch ceiling, copper roof gutters and valleys and repairs to the limestone belfry will also be undertaken.