Owners and custodians of protected and historic buildings across County Cork are being urged to apply for support under three 2027 schemes announced by Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, TD: the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS), the Historic Thatched Buildings Stream (HTB) and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF).

The BHIS will provide grants of up to €50,000 for essential conservation and repair works to historic buildings. Eligible properties include protected structures, proposed protected structures and buildings within Architectural Conservation Areas. A dedicated strand also offers funding of up to €30,000 for vernacular buildings that reflect distinctive local or regional character. Past recipients have included churches, shops, thatched houses, country houses, townhouses and school buildings.

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The HTB is aimed at works to historic thatched buildings. Owners or occupiers of eligible domestic or commercial thatched structures can seek grants covering up to 80% of qualifying conservation costs, capped at €20,000.

The HSF focuses on conserving and enhancing significant historic structures for wider public or community benefit, or where a clear residential benefit is demonstrated. A small number of larger grants, typically ranging from €50,000 to €200,000, support enhancement, refurbishment or reuse projects, with planning approvals required as appropriate.

Welcoming the call for applications, 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 deadline for completed applications to the 2027 BHIS and HTB is 4.00pm on Friday 30 October 2026. The closing date for the 2027 HSF is 4.00pm on Friday 27 November 2026.

Applications can be submitted by email to [email protected] or by post to: Heritage and Conservation Office, Floor 3, Planning Department, County Hall, Cork.