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From:Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, has today (28 July 2026) opened three key built heritage schemes to applications: theBuilt Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS), Historic Structures Fund (HSF)andHistoric Thatch Buildings (HTB)for 2027.

These schemes, funded by the department through the National Built Heritage Service (NBHS) and operated by local authorities, represent one of the State’s main means of supporting owners of historic buildings and protected structures repair and conserve their buildings for future generations. As well as conserving and enhancing historic buildings and streetscapes, the schemes also help to preserve and develop traditional building skills.

In 2026, over €12 million in funding was allocated to more than 700 projects.

The 2027 schemes will support the repair, maintenance, and rejuvenation of historic structures all across the country, honouring their past and safeguarding them into the future.

Announcing the schemes earlier today Minister O’Sullivan said:

“These built heritage funding schemes provide essential investment to help safeguard our historic buildings, including private homes, civic buildings, protected shopfronts and religious buildings. I encourage owners of eligible historic properties to apply for the grants available to help them maintain their properties.

“I have visited many projects that have received funding under the BHIS and HSF over the last year, and I am consistently amazed to see the level of skill and craftsmanship being used to secure these buildings for future generations. This can only happen with the dedication of the owners and their local communities, and I look forward to seeing the range of projects that will be submitted for our 2027 grants.”

Last year, over €600,000 in funding was allocated to a funding stream for thatched buildings across Ireland and Minister O’Sullivan is keen for owners of thatched buildings to seek available supports for repairs and work to their thatch.

“Thatched buildings are an important part of the fabric of our built heritage, as is the work in maintaining them. These schemes provide valuable work for the many traditional craft and tradespeople across Ireland, helping to keep unique skills alive.”

The opening dates for all three schemes have been aligned this year, following feedback from applicants and local authority Architectural Conservation Officers and Heritage Officers. For the Historic Structures Fund, this gives applicants additional time to submit their applications. It also enables earlier grant announcements, giving owners and custodians of historic buildings and structures more time to complete their works within the 2027 calendar year.

Notes to Editors / Further Information

Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS)

The BHIS is operated by Local Authorities with funding from the National Built Heritage Service (NBHS) of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Administered through the Local Authorities, the BHIS is designed to support the maintenance and repair of Ireland’s historic buildings, by providing grants of between €2,500 and €50,000 for works to buildings which are protected under the Planning and Development Acts, and to vernacular buildings lacking in statutory protection but which remain essential to our architectural heritage.

Historic Thatched Buildings (HTB)

Given the unique circumstances faced by owners of historic structures with thatched roofs, this scheme provides specific funding for works to these properties. This scheme is run in conjunction with the BHIS, and the additional funding is allocated to Local Authorities on a pro rata basis relative to the number of thatched structures on their Records of Protected Structures.

The HSF is a grant scheme for historic buildings offered by the National Built Heritage Service (NBHS) within the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The funding is administered by heritage professionals within each Local Authority, with grants awarded on a nationally competitive basis.

HSF 2027 will offer grants of up to €200,000 for projects with strong built heritage conservation objectives that can also demonstrate a clear public or community benefit. It enables vital investment in our valuable built heritage and helps owners and custodians of historic structures to safeguard for the future benefit of communities and the public. Funded works focus on the conservation of historic fabric of these important buildings, with priority given to works to protect or repair the outer envelope, such as the roof and windows, the repointing or re-rendering of the external walls, and other similar works.

In order to be considered eligible for the scheme, the property in question must be included or proposed for inclusion in the Record of Protected Structures of the relevant Local Authority. Structures or works within an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) may also be eligible.

Application Process and Further Information

The closing date for applications to local authorities isOctober 30, 2026for the BHIS and HTB, andNovember 27, 2026for the HSF.

Successful projects will be announced in early 2027, with full lists to be published on gov.ie.

Further details about the schemes and their eligibility requirements may be found at here:

Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS)

Questions about the eligibility of a particular building should be directed to the Architectural Conservation Officer (ACO) or Heritage Officer of the Local Authority for the area in which the building is located.

Questions about the technical details of the schemes may be directed [email protected]@housing.gov.ie.