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Financial Assistance for Architectural Heritage
From Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
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Last updated on
Financial assistance is provided to assist with the conservation and restoration of heritage properties through schemes which are generally administered by the local authorities.
In the context of a particular building, especially one on the Record of Protected Structures, the best advice for the owner may be to contact the Architectural Conservation Officer in the Local Authority. They will be able to advise on the various types of funding available to assist with the building.
On 12 November 2020, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, announced increased funding for both the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and Historic Structures Fund in 2021. The Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2021 has been allocated €3m, up 20% on 2020. The Historic Structures Fund 2021 has also been allocated €3m, up over 75% on 2020.
Please note that due to Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions, the deadline for applications by local authorities and direct applicants to the Department under both schemes has been moved to Friday 12 March 2021. Applicants making an initial application through their local authority are advised to check with them for details of any extension.
The Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2021 (BHIS) is for the repair and conservation of structures that are protected under the Planning and Development Acts. This Scheme aims to support a significant number of labour-intensive, small-scale conservation projects across the country and to support the employment of skilled and experienced conservation professionals, craftspeople and tradespersons in the repair of the historic built environment. Grants of between €2,500 and €15,000 are available. The Department will also continue to run the ‘micro’ grant stream introduced in 2020 for works of routine maintenance and minor repairs.
The fund is administered through the local authorities. The allocation for 2021 is up to €3 million.
Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2021 Circular
Download
Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2021 – Application Form
DownloadThe Historic Structures Fund 2021 (HSF) is for conservation works to heritage structures, in both private and public ownership. The primary focus of the Historic Structures Fund is on conservation and enhancement of historic structures and buildings for the benefit of communities and the public. Grants of between €15,000 and €50,000 are available under Stream 1, and of between €50,000 and €200,000 under Stream 2. In 2021, the Department is running a Pilot Stream for Vernacular Structures under which eligible owners may apply for grants of between €5,000 and €10,000. Under a second pilot stream for historic shopfronts, Local Authorities will be invited to submit an additional application under Stream 1 for eligible essential repairs and small capital works for the refurbishment and conservation of historic shop facades, windows, signage and other associated details to safeguard them and keep them in use.
The fund is generally administered through the local authorities. The allocation for 2021 is up to €3 million.
Historic Structures Fund 2021 Circular
Download
Historic Structures Fund 2021 – Application Form (A)
DownloadAny enquiries about funding under these schemes should be directed to the relevant local authority (the Architectural Conservation Officer or other person in the local authority dealing with the schemes).
Built Heritage Policy
Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Custom House
Dublin 1 D01 W6X0
Built Heritage Investment Scheme: Email: bhis@chg.gov.ie
Historic Structures Fund: Email: hsf@chg.gov.ie
