Cork County Council has confirmed the allocation of €325,000 in heritage initiative grant funding for the restoration of a historic building in Fermoy town centre, formerly known as Annie's Restaurant, with construction work expected to commence in September or October 2026.

The Irish Independent reported that the funding was confirmed at a recent Fermoy Municipal District meeting by senior executive officer Aidan Creagh, who outlined that the scope of works will concentrate on the roof, front façade, windows, and the reinstatement of an appropriate heritage shopfront.

The council purchased the building in 2024 as part of the Fermoy Town Centre Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) Category 2 project.

Creagh confirmed that half of the €325,000 grant must be drawn down this year, with the remainder in 2027, and that the works are expected to be completed by summer 2027. He said the project is focused on the external building fabric, restoring it to its original condition, and noted that the roof represents the largest element of the programme.

Creagh added that council officials will begin assessing potential re-use of the building once the external works are completed, with the condition of the building and any additional internal works required to be evaluated following tender.

The building is located on Fermoy's main street within the town's Architectural Conservation Area. The project falls under a heritage initiative grant programme that targets historic buildings in town centres, particularly those fronting onto main streets, for restoration and streetscape enhancement.

Fianna Fáil councillor Frank O'Flynn said the works will improve footfall in Fermoy and noted the building is ideally located in the heart of the town and easily accessible.

Access the full report on the Fermoy heritage restoration funding and programme of works.