The funding will be provided through the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) for 2024.
Both schemes facilitate the preservation of historic structures, ensuring they remain accessible and appreciated by current and future generations. They are administered collaboratively by the National Built Heritage Service (NBHS) within the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage, alongside a network of conservation professionals spanning the 31 local authorities, which includes skilled Architectural Conservation Officers.
The schemes fund a variety of repairs and renovation works to prevent deterioration, protect character, and encourage the re-use of protected structures. The schemes also provide important support for the employment of traditional craftspeople and conservation professionals.
The Minister of State with responsibility for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD said: "I am delighted to announce €9 million in funding for 676 heritage projects up and down the country. My Department’s two grant programmes – the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Historic Structures Fund – support the owners and custodians of our nation's historic structures to conserve and protect them, helping to revitalise historic town centres and ensure their unique character is preserved for future generations. The level of funding available highlights the Government's ongoing commitment to the built heritage that communities know and love. These schemes also provide valuable work for the many traditional craft and tradespeople across Ireland, helping to keep these unique skills alive."
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The Historic Structures Fund (HSF) offers grants ranging from €15,000 to €200,000 to aid substantial conservation efforts for historically significant buildings. In the current year, €4.5 million in funding has been allocated to support 114 projects, marking the highest number of projects ever approved for HSF funding.
Projects receiving funding under the HSF this year include:
• €114,000 for Bawnboy Workhouse, Co. Cavan
• €50,000 for Marsh’s Library, Dublin City
• €18,000 for Moore’s Shop, Trim, Co. Meath
The Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) offers grants up to €15,000 aimed at maintaining and undertaking minor conservation works to safeguard historic buildings from deterioration and potential abandonment. Acknowledging the unique challenges in preserving thatched properties, the scheme allocates specific funding for historic thatched buildings, with grants of up to €20,000. This year, a total of 562 BHIS grants will be distributed nationwide, including 80 for thatched buildings, totaling €4.5 million in funding.
Projects receiving funding under the BHIS this year include:
• €15,000 for conservation of stained glass in St. MacCullin’s Church in Lusk, Co. Dublin
• €15,000 for roofing works to St. John’s Point Lightkeepers’ Cottages in Dunkineely, Co. Donegal
• €9,041 for thatching in Seanteach Phetie, Inis Oirr, Galway
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O'Brien, said:
"It's wonderful to see a record number of projects being approved for funding under this year's Historic Structures Fund. Along with the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, these schemes enable us to protect our precious built heritage and keep many of these of magnificent buildings in use, while bringing others back into use. With projects being approved in every county, the social and economic benefits will be felt in every corner of the country."
Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, Kieran O'Donnell, stated:
"The Historic Structures Fund and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme serve as great examples of what can be achieved when you have a close working relationship with the local authorities, particularly the Architectural Conservation Officers, Heritage Officers, and planning and administrative staff. These schemes provide direct financial assistance on the ground where it's needed and I'm delighted to see so many projects being approved throughout the country this year."
