OVER €900,000 in funding has been allocated to heritage projects across West Cork including St Patrick’s Cathedral in Skibbereen.
Nine architectural and archaeological conservation projects are set to benefit from the boost, supporting the preservation of Ireland’s rich built heritage.
The funding, provided by the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage through the Historic Structures Fund and the Community Monuments Fund, will support vital conservation works on historic buildings, churches and archaeological sites throughout the county.
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Three projects will receive support under the Historic Structures Fund, which provides grants of between €50,000 and €200,000 to protect and restore significant heritage properties.
They include the Church of the Ascension, Timoleague, the Kinsale Municipal District Council Office and St Patrick’s Cathedral in Skibbereen.
The Community Monuments Fund will support further projects aimed at safeguarding archaeological heritage and improving public access.
This includes conservation works, reports and management plans designed to strengthen resilience against climate change and ensure long term preservation.
Among the projects receiving funding are Rathbarry Medieval Church, Abbeymahon Graveyard, Kilmonogue Graveyard and St Mary’s Church, Schull.
Additional funding will support works at St. Multose Church in Kinsale, as well as an archaeological survey at Ráth Ghaiscígh Ringfort in Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh.
Welcoming these allocations, County Mayor Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, said: ‘County Cork has a wealth of architectural and archaeological heritage, with over 2,000 protected structures and 19,000 recorded sites and monuments. This funding plays a vital role in preserving these assets for future generations.’
Council chief executive, Moira Murrell added: ‘This year’s investments reflects the growing recognition of the importance of heritage conservation. The increased funding compared to last year highlights the continued commitment to protecting the County of Cork’s built and archaeological heritage.’
