Conservation Grants

There are 3 conservation grants available through Cork City Council:

Historic Structures Fund

The HSF is now open. The fund offers grants from €50,000 to €200,000, up to 50% of eligible costs. 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 2026, 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)

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

The final date for receipt of applications for the 2026 scheme is Friday 16^th January 2025.

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

Conservation Office, Strategic Planning and Heritage, Planning and Integrated Development Directorate, Cork City Council, Anglesea Street, Cork, T12 T997.

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

Architectural Conservation Area Grant

The ACA Grant Scheme is now closed and will reopen in early 2026. If you would like to be notified when the grant scheme reopens, 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. 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 available for this grant scheme, it is a competitive process and not all applications received can be grant aided.

A Guidance Document is available at the end of this Webpage.

Built Heritage Investment Scheme

The BHIS is now closed. If you would like to be notified when the grant scheme reopens, please email conservation@corkcity.ie

Following formal approval by the Department, we shall notify successful applicants by January 2026. For further information, please see the guidance booklet for applicants, qualifying and non-qualifying works document, and the Guidance Circular at the end of this Webpage. 

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

HSF 2026 Guidance Booklet For Applicants

HSF 2026 Application Form

HSF 2026 Appendix V Qualifying And Non Qualifying Works

HSF 2026 Appendix VI Guidance Note For HSF Method Statements

HSF 2026 Circular

BHIS 2026 Guidance Booklet For Applicants

BHIS 2026 Qualifying And Non Qualifying Works

BHIS 2026 Circular

ACA Grant Scheme Guidance Document