Conservation Grants
Please note: The Architectural Conservation Grant referenced on this page is managed through a third-party, Submit.com, contracted by Cork City Council to process online submissions. You will be presented with the privacy policy and terms and conditions if you choose to use the service.
There are 3 conservation grants available through Cork City Council:
Historic Structures Fund
The core aims of the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) are to enable large-scale conservation works where the historic structure is considered especially significant and in need of urgent repair, encourage the regeneration and reuse of historic structures, support employment in the conservation and construction sectors, and build resilience in our historic structures to enable them to withstand the effects of climate change.
Stream 1
Please note that the former Stream 1 (which offers grants from €15,000 to €50,000, up to 80% of the eligible costs) of the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) is now incorporated into the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS).
Stream 2
HSF Stream 2 (which offers grants from €50,000 to €200,000, up to 50% eligible costs) is now open and the final date for receipt of applications for the 2025 scheme is Friday January 17th, 2025.
To submit your application, and for any queries, please email conservation@corkcity.ie
Please see Application Form A, the associated checklist and the Guidance Circular below.
Built Heritage Investment Scheme
The BHIS is now closed; the final date for receipt of applications for the 2025 scheme was Friday 27th September, 2024. If you would like to be notified when the BHIS scheme reopens in 2025, for works taking place in 2026, please email conservation@corkcity.ie
The primary aim of the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) is to provide financial assistance to owners in carrying out appropriate conservation works to their historic properties which are protected structures and/or located within an Architectural Conservation Area. This scheme supports the repair of historic fabric, the use of traditional materials and the sensitive reinstatement of historically accurate architectural features. Works must be in line with best conservation practice and should aim to employ methods of minimal intervention.
Projects can be awarded between €2,500 and €50,000; a small fund is also available for routine maintenance and minor repairs with a maximum grant of €2,500 per project. The total value of all public funding provided for individual projects must not exceed 80% of the total project cost. (Please note that the proportion of costs covered will, in many cases, be considerably lower than 80%).
As there is a limited overall budget available for this grant scheme, it is a competitive process and not all applications received can be grant aided.
Please note that a method statement must be submitted by the applicant to enable approval of any grant.
For further information, please see the qualifying and non-qualifying works document and the Guidance Circular below
Architectural Conservation Area Grant
The purpose of Cork City Council's Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) grant scheme is to assist the owners of historic buildings in the 42 ACAs across Cork City to undertake external works necessary to secure their conservation e.g. repairs of windows, doors, roofs and chimneys, gutters, railings and shopfronts.
The 2024 ACA Grant Scheme is now closed. The 2025 Scheme will open early next year.
If you would like to be notified when the grant scheme reopens, please email conservation@corkcity.ie
For more information, please see the guidance document below which includes eligibility of works.
HSF 2025 Guidance Booklet For Applicants
HSF 2025 Checklist For Applicants
BHIS 2025 Circular.pdf (size 1 MB)
BHIS 2025 Qualifying Non-Qualifying Works .pdf (size 686.1 KB)