Conservation Grants

There are 3 conservation grants available through Cork City Council:

Built Heritage Investment Scheme

The BHIS is now open and the final date for receipt of applications for the 2027 scheme is Friday 30^th October 2026. Please see Application Form A at the end of this Webpage.

Following formal approval by the Department, we shall notify successful applicants by January 2027.

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 bespoke, 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 (up to 80% of the project cost); a small fund is also available for routine maintenance and minor repairs with a maximum grant of €2,500 per project. Please note that the BHIS is a competitive grant scheme with a limited budget. If approved for funding, applicants do not tend to receive approval for the full amount requested.

Please submit your grant applications by email to conservation@corkcity.ie or by post to:

Conservation Office, Cork City Council, Strategic Planning & Heritage Section, Planning & Integrated Development Directorate, Floor 1, New Civic Offices, City Hall, Anglesea Street, Cork, T12 T997.

For further information, please see the guidance booklet for applicants, qualifying and non-qualifying works document, and the circular at the end of this Webpage.

Please note that a method statement must be submitted by the applicant to enable approval of any grant.

Historic Structures Fund

The HSF is now open and the final date for receipt of applications for the 2027 scheme is Friday 27^th November 2026. Please see Application Form A at the end of this Webpage.

Following formal approval by the Department, we shall notify successful applicants in 2027.

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.

For 2027, the HSF will focus on larger enhancement, refurbishment or reuse projects involving heritage structures (Protected Structures or historic buildings in an Architectural Conservation Area), where:

1. A clear community or public benefit has been demonstrated, or
2. A clear residential benefit has been demonstrated (such projects must be advanced through the planning process as necessary)

Projects can be awarded between €50,000 to €200,000 (up to 50% eligible costs). Please note that the HSF is a very competitive grant scheme.

Please submit your grant applications by email to conservation@corkcity.ie or by post to:

Conservation Office, Cork City Council, Strategic Planning & Heritage Section, Planning & Integrated Development Directorate, Floor 1, New Civic Offices, City Hall, Anglesea Street, Cork, T12 T997.

For further information, please see the guidance booklet, circular, method statement guidance note, and qualifying/ non-qualifying document below at the end of the Webpage

Please note that a method statement must be submitted by the applicant to enable approval of any grant.

Architectural Conservation Area Grant

The ACA Grant Scheme is now closed and will re-open in 2027. If you would like to be notified when the grant scheme re-opens, please email conservation@corkcity.ie

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. Reinstatement of lost character may also be considered where this benefits the ACA; meaning works visible from the street. Works must be in line with best conservation practice and should aim to employ methods of minimal intervention.

Grants of up to €20,000 are available under this scheme. Works can be funded up to a maximum rate of 50% of the project cost. As there is a limited overall budget (approximately €150,000) available for this grant scheme, it is a competitive process and not all applications received can be grant aided. See guidance document below for further information.

Application Forms & Guidance 

BHIS 2027 Application Form A

BHIS 2027 Qualifying And Non Qualifying Works

BHIS 2027 Guidance Booklet For Applicants

BHIS 2027 Circular

HSF 2027 Appendix I Form A

HSF 2027 Guidance Booklet For Applicants

HSF 2027 Circular

HSF 2027 Appendix V Qualifying And Non Qualifying Works

HSF 2027 Appendix VI Guidance Note For HSF Method Statements

Guidance Notes For ACA Grant Scheme

Architectural Conservation Areas Advice And Guidance To Owners And Occupiers