Eoin English: Bringing heritage buildings to life again takes time

The sensitive restoration and conversion into homes of two historic and protected 18th century Dutch-influenced townhouses which had fallen into dereliction on Cork city’s historic spine shows what’s possible when local authorities use their powers and are funded to deliver, writes Eoin English

The historic, and protected 18th century Dutch-influenced townhouses, at No 5 and 6 Shandon St which have been restored by Cork City Council as part of a housing regeneration project. Picture: Larry Cummins.

The €2.9m social housing scheme in the shadow of the city’s landmark Shandon steeple, led by Cork City Council and funded by the Department of Local Government, has been hailed by An Taisce as “a boost for the heritage, well-being and economic attractiveness of the city”, and will, according to local community leaders, breathe new life into an entire city block.

The success of the Shandon St project, combined with a raft of other social housing projects on former derelict sites across the city, has again thrown the spotlight on how dereliction can be tackled when the will and funding are there.