Built heritage schemes 2020 applications are now open for 2020

THE COUNTY of Cork possesses a wealth of built heritage, with over 3,000 protected structures and over 50 Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs).

Owners of such structures – whether protected, located in an ACA, or both – can now apply for the 2020 Built Heritage schemes which have just opened for applications.

These are the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Historic Structures Fund, operated by Cork County Council in conjunction with the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

The schemes will be run by Cork County Council Architectural Conservation Officer for buildings that are contained in the Record of Protected Structures and in Architectural Conservation Areas.

The Built Heritage Investment Scheme supports smallscale conservation projects and also supports the employment of skilled and experienced conservation professionals, craftspeople and tradespersons in the repair of the historic built environment.

Project supports will range from a minimum of €2,500 to a maximum of €15,000 per application.

The Historic Structures Fund is comprised of two strands, the first of which sets out to support essential repairs and smaller capital works for the refurbishment and conservation of heritage structures – up to a maximum of €50,000.

Strand Two will offer a small number of grants from €50,000 up to €200,000 for larger enhancement, refurbishment or reuse projects involving heritage structures, where a clear community or public benefit has been demonstrated.

For those interested in applying, applications must be submitted in hard copy to the Built Heritage Investment Scheme or Historic Structure Fund, Conservation Office, Floor Three, Planning Department, County Hall, Cork.

The deadline for submission of completed applications is 4pm on Thursday, January 31, 2020, and applicants are advised to read the relevant Circular to each scheme carefully as these contain important information regarding the purpose and administration of the schemes.

For more information in this regard and to access an application form visit www.corkcoco. ie/arts-heritage.

Last week at the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards in Dublin Cork County Council saw success for two initiatives, one of which was titled ‘Blackwater and Creativity’ – a Cork County Council Creative Ireland supported project regarding a pop-up shop by the Blackwater Valley Makers in Fermoy.