20 May 2017
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
Castle Bernard was burned in an era when anti British and anti Landlord sentiment was high in Cork
The Structures at Risk Fund and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2017 announced recently by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys TD will offer funding allocations to historic buildings throughout Cork County.
In total 569 heritage projects nationwide will share in a €4.8 million investment package as part of the government’s commitment in “Realising Our Rural Potential: the Action Plan for Rural Development.”
Funding of €70,000 has been allocated to 3 projects under the Structure at Risk Fund which will assist in the conservation of significant historic structures including the Sirius Arts Centre in Cobh, Castle Bernard Bandon and the former Gunpowder Mills at Ballincollig Regional Park.
A further €129,700 is available under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme to assist owners of 19 protected structures in repairing and conserving the fabric of their historic buildings. A wide range of buildings types, including thatch houses, churches, Georgian and Victorian townhouses, medieval monuments and country houses will all receive funding under this scheme.
The two schemes are expected to leverage significant additional private funds which in turn will generate employment in the conservation and construction industries.
In welcoming the allocations, Chief Executive of Cork County Council Tim Lucey recognises the wealth of historic architecture throughout Cork County, “We have over 1300 properties on the Record of Protected Structures which are either of national, regional of local importance. The opportunity to avail of such support will ensure the survival of many of these structures for future generations to appreciate.”
Mayor of the County of Cork Seamus McGrath
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Séamus McGrath reiterated these sentiments and went onto to say, “County Cork heritage buildings and protected structures contribute greatly to the vibrancy and character of our villages, towns and countryside. It is in all our interests that they are maintained and this funding will greatly assist owners in this regard.”
