Increased funding for protected structures

The owners and custodians of historic and protected structures are being encouraged to apply for funding to repair and preserve their properties.

This week, Cork County Council put a call out to property owners who may be eligible for the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) for 2025.

This year, successful applicants can receive increased grants of up to €50,000 for works to repair and conserve their historic properties.

Protected structures, proposed protected structures, and properties located within architectural conservation areas are eligible to apply, the council said.

The scheme also offers funding for vernacular structures (buildings with distinctive local and regional character) and for historic shopfronts.

The deadline for submission of completed applications is 4pm on 27 September.

Welcoming the announcement this week, Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Joe Carroll, said safeguarding and promoting Cork’s heritage is crucial.

“This scheme serves to safeguard cherished historic structures, ensuring that they can be appreciated for many more years ahead.”

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell said: “County Cork has close to 3,000 protected structures and has 52 architectural conservation areas.

“The Built Heritage Investment Scheme has benefited the county’s heritage significantly in the last number of years. In 2023 and 2024, 33 historic properties in the county of Cork have benefited from an investment of over €330,000 under the scheme,” added Ms Murrell.

Applications for the scheme can be made by emailing conservation@corkcoco.ie.

A hard copy can also be submitted to the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, Cork County Council, Heritage and Conservation Office, Floor 3, Planning Department, County Hall.