9 August 2026
By Bryan McCarthy
bryan@TheCork.ie
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, TD, has announced funding for three built heritage schemes: the 2027 Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS), Historic Thatched Buildings Stream (HTB) and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF).
Cork County Council is encouraging owners and custodians of historic and protected buildings throughout the county to apply for funding to repair, conserve and safeguard these important heritage properties.
The Built Heritage Investment Scheme (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 located within Architectural Conservation Areas. The scheme also offers funding of up to €30,000 for vernacular structures, i.e. buildings with distinctive local and regional character. Previous projects supported under the scheme include churches, shops, thatched houses, country houses, townhouses and school buildings.
Kinsale Town Hall was awarded funding through the 2026 HSF.
Photo: Cork County Council
Fermoy Presbyterian Church was awarded funding through the 2026 BHIS.
Photo: Cork County Council
St Marys Collegiate Church (COI) Youghal was awarded funding through the 2026 BHIS.
Photo: Philip Daly
The Historic Thatched Buildings Stream (HTB) supports repairs to historic thatched roof buildings. Owners or occupiers of historic 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 Historic Structures Fund’s (HSF) primary focus is to assist in 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 and focuses on larger enhancement, refurbishment or reuse projects involving heritage structures, where a clear community or public benefit has been demonstrated, or where a clear residential benefit has been demonstrated. Projects must be advanced through the planning process as necessary.
Welcoming the announcement, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Bernard Moynihan, said, “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.”
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell added, “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 30th October 2026.
The closing date for completed applications under the 2027 Historic Structures Fund is 4.00pm on Friday 27th 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, details of qualifying works and guidance documents are available on our website, corkcoco.ie.