Funding has been made available to support the conservation of historic and protected structures in Cork.

Local owners and custodians of historic structures have been invited to apply for funding under the national Built Heritage Investment Scheme and Historic Structures Fund 2022.

These schemes mean €8 million is available nationally to deliver projects. Cork County Council's Conservation Office is administrating both grant schemes on behalf of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Gillian Coughlan said: "It is vital that we care for our built heritage and ensure that it is protected into the future. Our rich heritage is what sets us apart and what attracts so many visitors to Ireland every year. The two grant schemes will support local jobs in conservation and construction as well as keeping traditional skills alive. There is also the potential for some historic buildings in our town centres to be refurbished, brought back into use and even turned into homes."

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Grants of between €2,500 and €15,000 are available under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2022 for small-scale conservation projects. Large-scale projects to repair and conserve the historic built environment can apply to the Historic Structures Fund. Up to €50,000 is available for essential repairs and capital works. Projects where a clear residential or public benefit has been demonstrated can apply for funding of up to €200,000.

The Historic Structures Fund also recognises the importance of traditional shop fronts in towns and villages. Owners can now apply for funding to repair historic shutters, awnings, signs or panels. It includes the removal of unsightly and redundant later additions including cables, lights and signs.

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey added: "A pilot stream for vernacular structures has been introduced for 2022. Grants of between €5,000 and €15,000 are available for structures with distinctive local and regional character. These structures were conceived and built by ordinary people using materials found in the immediate locality and applied using vernacular crafts such as thatching, mud-walling and wattle-working, as well as traditional masonry and carpentry. These buildings contribute enormously to our sense of place and it is important that they are also protected into the future."

The deadline for submission of completed applications is 4pm on 31 January 2022.