Repair and restoration work on two iconic West Cork churches can soon get under way after Skibbereen’s St Patrick’s Cathedral and Timoleague’s Church of the Ascension received funding under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme.

The churches will each receive €37,500 for works to repair, restore and protect the historic structures under the 2026 BHIS, Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sulllivan said.

‘These two churches are iconic landmarks within their own areas. The love and attention they receive from their local communities is really uplifting, and it makes my job a lot easier,’ Minister O’Sullivan said.

‘I would encourage anyone to pay them a visit and experience the unique architecture of each of them. I have had the privilege of working with and watching the community groups in both Skibbereen and Timoleague as they work tirelessly to protect these buildings for the public good.’

In all 696 projects nationwide are to benefit from a total of €8.1 million in grants under the BHIS 2026 funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

‘As Minister for Heritage, I’m proud to be able to support the owners and custodians of these unique properties - which often present unique challenges when it comes to modern living and use - to protect them, restore them and make them more comfortable,’ Minister O’Sullivan said.  ‘I am committed to helping communities and individuals keep these buildings alive, prevent them from falling into ruin and ensure that they are in good health for future generations.’

Minister O’Sullivan said an additional benefit to the scheme is the support it offers to traditional craftspeople in the area who can use the space.

West Cork Beacon: Femicide figures should prompt us all to take a stand together

THE new head of West Cork Beacon, the West Cork women against violence project, is calling on people not to become desensitised to the femicide figures.

‘We cannot look at these femicide figures and allow ourselves to become numb because every one of these women had a life, a family, a future, and a community who loved her,’ MaryClare Clark told The Southern Star.

‘These are not abstract numbers: these are women whose deaths should prompt all of us to ask what more can be done to protect those at risk in their own homes and in their own communities.

‘As we look ahead to the St Brigid’s Day swim, we’re encouraged by the strength and solidarity that people across West Cork continue to show. These moments of coming together matter because they remind survivors that they are not alone, and they remind all of us that change is something we build collectively.’

She said they also stand firmly with those who gathered at the Dáil to highlight the need for protection around counselling notes.

‘As members of Rape Crisis Ireland, we’re very clear that survivors must be able to reach out for support without fear that their private, therapeutic conversations could be disclosed in court. The justice system must protect their dignity, their privacy, and their ability to heal.

‘At West Cork Beacon, we remain committed to advocating for stronger safeguards, supporting survivors with compassion, and contributing to a future where violence against women is no longer accepted as inevitable.’