Local authorities may provide financial support for the repair and conservation of protected structures and buildings in an architectural conservation area. A protected structure is one with architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest.
The closing date for applications under both schemes was 26th January 2024. The application period is now closed
On 2nd November Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, launched the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) for 2024.
The total funding of €9 million across the two schemes is expected to support repair and maintenance of over 550 historic structures in every local authority area across the country in 2024. These will range from small-scale, labour-intensive projects in individual homes, up to larger-scale projects in major public buildings. This funding will help owners and custodians of our built heritage to undertake the repair and rejuvenation of these historic buildings, presenting them to their best effect today and safeguarding them into the future.
• The 2024 Built Heritage Investment Scheme will provide grants of up to €15,000 to individual owners for small-scale works to repair and preserve their historic properties.
• BHIS includes ring-fenced funding of €500,000 for thatched buildings. This will fund conservation repairs to historic thatched structures, helping owners to offset other costs and protecting these cherished buildings into the future.
• The 2024 Historic Structures Fund will offer up to €200,000 for projects that deliver a major community benefit.
• It also offers funding for vernacular structures and for historic shopfronts. The Historic Shopfront Stream provides funding for the refurbishment and conservation historic shop facades to safeguard these distinctive features of our towns, villages, and cities.
• The Vernacular Stream provides funding for conservation repairs and small capital works to vernacular structures that are not listed in the local authority Record of Protected Structures.
Both schemes are managed by Laois County Council, and forms should be returned to Laois County Council by the closing date 26th January 2024
The Built Heritage Investment Scheme is designed to support owners and custodians in caring for our built heritage and ensuring that it is protected into the future. Buildings must be on the Laois Record of Protected Structures.
Details of the 2024 scheme are below.
For further information please contact Thomas Carolan, Heritage Officer, Laois County Council by emailing tcarolan@laoiscoco.ie or phone 057 866 4129.