Built Heritage Investment Scheme

Laois County Council 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.

CLOSING DATE: 27th September 2024

Applications to Laois County Council are invited for the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2025.

Who can apply?

The BHIS (Built Heritage Investment Scheme) provides funding for repair/conservation works to the following types of buildings (or qualifying structures): 

  1. Protected structures (buildings that are listed on the Record of Protected Structures)
  2. Proposed protected structures (buildings that the Local Authority propose to include on this list) 
  3. Structures in Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs) 
  4. Vernacular buildings 
  5. Historic Shopfronts 

Owners of eligible buildings can apply to the grant scheme. If you are unclear whether your structure is eligible under this scheme, contact Laois County Council for clarification.

All works must be planned and overseen by qualified and experienced conservation professionals. These conservation professionals may be able to assist you in your application. Applications must be accompanied by a Method Statement. Only one application will be considered per historic structure. 

How much can I apply for?

The funding awarded for successful projects will be between €2,500 and a maximum of €50,000.

The total value grants provided for individual projects must not exceed 80% of the total project cost and is determined by the Local Authority on a case by case basis. Applicants will have to contribute at least 20% of the cost of the works (but in most instances this figure will be higher).

How do I apply?

Details of the 2025 scheme, including application documents are below. 

Historic Thatched Buildings Grant

In addition to the BHIS mainstream grant the HTBG provides funding specifically to protect the heritage value of historic thatched roof buildings.

CLOSING DATE: 17th January 2025

Eligibility

Any historic thatched structure, including domestic or commercial properties.

Qualifying Works Include:

  • Thatching works to the roof and any necessary work that must be completed as part of these works, such as chimney repairs.
  • Other conservation works which fall into the Qualifying Works for the Mainstream BHIS (please see document listing Qualifying/Non-Qualifying Works for BHIS).

Where an applicant is not the owner of an eligible structure, the applicant will need to accompany Form A with a letter from the owner declaring that the applicant has the owner’s permission to carry out the work.

Details & Application Forms 

Further information

Queries to Oisin Neeson on 0578664252 or heritage@laoiscoco.ie