In this article we cover:  

  • Grants to help homeowners pay for upgrades on their older building in Cork 
  • Grants to maintain properties 
  • Grants for new builds 

Here’s a summary of what’s available: 

1. Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant 

  • Offers up to €50,000 to refurbish a vacant property for use as a main residence or rental accommodation. 
  • An extra €20,000 top-up is available for derelict properties, bringing the total possible funding to €70,000. 
  • To qualify, properties must have been vacant for at least two years and built before 2008. 
  • Managed by Cork County Council. 
  • More information: Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant – Cork County Council 

2. Conservation Advice Grant Scheme for Vacant Traditional Farmhouses 

  • Provides up to €5,000 (excluding VAT) to pay for expert conservation advice for owners of vacant traditional farmhouses. 
  • Designed to support those using or considering the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant. 
  • More information: Conservation Advice Scheme – Cork County Council 

3. Housing Adaptation Grants 

  1. Three grant types are available to help older people or individuals with disabilities make essential home modifications. 
  2. Supports improvements for accessibility, mobility aids, and urgent repairs. 
  3. Administered by Cork County Council. 
  4. Further details: Housing Grants – Cork County Council 

4. Thatching Grant 

  • Helps with repairing or rethatching traditional thatched roofs to maintain Cork’s architectural heritage. 
  • Funding includes full/partial rethatching, thatch repairs, and structural work related to thatch preservation. 
  • You must use a qualified thatcher to apply. 
  • Grant amounts vary based on the project cost; a quote from a qualified thatcher is required. 
  • Available to all thatched property owners in County Cork. 
  • More information: Thatching Grant – Cork County Council 

5. Lead Remediation Grant 

  • Covers full replacement of internal lead piping connected to a domestic water supply. 
  • Applicants must provide proof of lead piping; grants of up to €200 are available for lab testing or professional assessments. 
  • Open to owner-occupiers and long-term tenants (with owner consent). Holiday homes are not eligible. 
  • Grant range: €750 to €5,000 (projects under €750 do not qualify). 
  • More information: Cork County Council Domestic Lead Remediation Grant Scheme page 

6. Domestic Well Grant 

  • Supports both the rehabilitation of existing wells (e.g., deepening, cleaning) and installation of new wells where supply is poor. 
  • Includes water quality treatments like filters or UV systems. 
  • Available to owner-occupiers and long-term tenants (with consent). Not available for holiday homes. 
  • Well repair: up to €3,000 (85 per cent of eligible costs) 
    New well: up to €5,000 (85 per cent) 
    Water treatment: up to €1,000 (100 per cent) 
    Minimum spend: €750 
  • More information: Cork County Council Domestic Well Grants page 

7. Septic Tank Grant 

  • Covers costs related to the repair, upgrade, or replacement of domestic wastewater systems. 
  • Applies to issues found during National Inspection Plan assessments or in designated priority areas. 
  • Routine maintenance is not eligible. 
  • Applicants must have received an advisory notice or live in an eligible area. Not available for holiday homes. 
  • Grant: 85 per cent of costs up to €12,000. Minimum spend: €750 
  • More information: Septic Tank Scheme – Cork County Council 

8. Energy Grants from the SEAI 

  • Warmer Homes Scheme (Free Upgrades): Provides free upgrades (e.g., insulation, lighting) for homes built pre-2006 with a BER of C or lower. For eligible social welfare recipients. 
  • Individual Energy Upgrade Grants (Better Energy Homes): Funding for specific upgrades like attic/wall insulation, heat pumps, and solar panels. Windows and ventilation not included. 
  • One Stop Shop Scheme: Full-service home energy upgrades with higher grant levels and grants deducted at source. 
  • More information: SEAI Grants Overview 

9. Electric vehicle home charger grant 

  • Up to €300 towards the purchase and installation of a home EV charger. 
  • Applicants must have off-street parking at their residence. 
  • The property must not have previously received an EV home charger grant or availed of the free ESB Ecars home charger before 2018. 
  • The charger must be connected to the home’s electricity supply. 
  • Apply before commencing any installation work. Starting work prior to receiving the Letter of Offer will render the grant ineligible. 
  • Once approved, you have 6 months to complete the installation and submit the necessary documentation. 
  • For more information: Electric Vehicle home charger grant  

10. Protect Heritage Buildings in County Cork 

  • Historic Structure Fund (HSF): Offers grants ranging from €50,000 to €200,000 for significant conservation, enhancement, or reuse projects of historic structures. 
  • Historic Thatch Building Stream of the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS): Provides up to 80% of conservation costs, capped at €20,000, specifically for historic thatched roof buildings.
  • Both schemes are administered by Cork County Council on behalf of the National Built Heritage Service.
  • Application Deadline: Completed applications must be submitted by January. 
  • Further Information: Detailed information and application forms are available on the Cork County Council website. 

This list is not exhaustive – to get more information contact Cork County Council.  

More information on conservation grants: Bringing Back Homes Manual and the Conservation grants page, email [email protected]