24/02/2025
Welcome to our new staff spotlight section which highlights the many services delivered by Cork City Council on a daily basis.
In this edition of our staff spotlight, you'll get to know one of our Architectural Conservation Officers, Jessie Castle.
Tell us about your job?
I am one of two Architectural Conservation Officers in Cork City Council. My role is to provide advice on the care of historic buildings and structures in the city, both to members of the public and across all directorates in the Council. I also work with various professionals outside the organisation to promote good practice in how we care for the historic buildings in our city.
My role sometimes involves landmark structures in the city, such as St. Luke’s Church and the former Mansion House (Mercy Hospital) which both underwent works in 2025.
Recently, through the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, I advised on the restoration of the front facades of two unusual bow-fronted buildings on Langford Row for a private owner who is converting these previously derelict buildings to apartments.
What does a typical day involve?
I can genuinely say that I do not have a typical working day! My work is so varied, and any day could involve reporting on planning applications, assessing funding applications, visiting projects on site, meeting on projects with other directorates or a combination of all of these. I work very closely with our other Conservation Officer, Ashleigh Murray, and my colleagues in the Heritage Team, including the City Archaeologist, Heritage Officer and Biodiversity Officer. Public engagement is an important part of this role as we try to be very responsive to building owners and advise on the right approach to conserving and repairing historic properties.
What is your favourite part of your job?
I love how varied my role is and the interaction with so many colleagues from different disciplines, and with members of the public. Seeing the outcome of successful building conservation and repair projects is very rewarding. Some of these projects happen with funding administered or provided by the City Council and these are especially good to see. We are lucky to have thousands of historic buildings in Cork City which makes for a very busy and interesting job!
What can make your job challenging at times?
Historic buildings can be seen as a barrier to development and their conservation and repair is often considered specialised and expensive work. But retaining, repairing and reusing existing buildings often has cost savings, has a much lower impact on the environment and has huge benefits to the community. Attitudes are definitely changing and I think an appreciation of our historic buildings and an understanding of their potential is growing. The challenge is to help people to see the importance of the architectural heritage we have right here in our own city!
What advice would you give your younger self?
Keep the faith! Working in heritage can sometimes feel like an uphill struggle but it is worth persisting. It’s important to stick to your principles. You have to work hard to bring people along with you, but the outcomes are worth it. I have yet to meet a person who does not appreciate a beautifully restored historic building!
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