External refurbishment works have been planned for Ireland's oldest Local Authority Museum, based in County Cork, to mark its 80th anniversary.

The work on the Cork Public Museum will be carried out by HG Construction (Ire) Ltd, in conjunction with JCA Architects and Cork City Council's Architects Department, and will involve the removal and refurbishment of the roof and external render of the building.

This works are due to be carried out throughout Spring/Summer 2025 and are funded by Cork City Council, with additional funding provided by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through their Historic Structure Fund.


Commenting on the planned refurbishment of the museum, Curator Dan Breen, said: "These works will have a positive impact on the future development of the museum, ensuring the exterior envelope of the building is secured. We have big plans for the future of Cork Public Museum, but none of these would be possible without this important structural work."

The museum officially opened to the public on April 4, 1945. In recent decades a new state of the art extension was added, allowing the museum to expand its operational capacity to increase research, training and visitor facilities. The museum attracts about 60,000 visitors annually, though it is hoped this can be increased as the museum evolves.