RESTORATION work at three West Cork historic sites will soon get under way after Skibbereen’s St Patrick’s Cathedral, Timoleague’s Church of the Ascension and Kinsale’s Municipal District offices have received funding under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme.

The three monuments will each receive more than €100,000 for works to repair, restore and protect the structures under the BHIS, Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sulllivan said.

‘West Cork’s built heritage is the architectural jewel in our towns and villages. It is an absolute pleasure working with and watching the community groups in Kinsale, Skibbereen and Timoleague working tirelessly to protect these magnificent buildings for the public good,’ Minister O’Sullivan said.

In all €8 million in funding will be provided for buildings nationwide under the BHIS.

Municipal district offices Kinsale will receive €130,000; St Patrick’s Cathedral Skibbereen also receives €130,000; while the Church of the Ascension in Timoleague was allocated €106,767.

‘My department is committed to helping communities keep these buildings alive and ensuring they are in good health for future generations,’ said Minister O’Sullivan.

The Built Heritage Investment Scheme is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s National Built Heritage Service and is administered by the local authorities.