Owners of listed buildings get chance to avail of free advice on upkeep

THE owners of listed buildings and protected structures will be able to avail of free advice on upkeep thanks to seminars which will take place in Co Cork over the coming weeks.

Cork County Council, supported by the Heritage Council, has organised three half-day seminars which will be held in Doneraile, Clonakilty and Little Island.

The seminars will be conducted by Mona Hallinan, conservation officer with Cork County Council and John Cronin, a conservation and heritage consultant.

More than 1,300 protected structures are recorded within the administrative area of Cork County Council, with an additional 2,200 structures located within the county’s nine town council areas.

All of them are protected by law and, in certain circumstances, are eligible for grant assistance for essential works.

The half-day seminars will be held at :

nSpringfort Hall, Doneraile, on Thursday, September 30, from 1.30pm – 5pm; nAt Fernhill House Hotel, Clonakility, on Wednesday, October 6, from 1.30pm to 5pm;

nAt Radisson Hotel, Little Island, on Saturday, October 9 from 9.30am to 1pm.

The purpose of the seminars is to provide the owners with general information relating to the conservation, maintenance, restoration and alteration of protected structures; the availability of grants and technical support; as well as a brief introduction to the legal obligations that pertain to such structures.

“This initiative shows a strong commitment by Cork County Council towards those who own and care for the county’s rich architectural heritage,” Ms Hallinan said.

“It is intended that the seminars will allow for the sharing of information, advice and expertise.”

Owners of protected buildings are very welcome to attend and the seminar is free of charge.

However, as places will be limited, those wishing to attend should book a place by contacting John Cronin and Associates on 021-4214368 or by email at [e-mail].