Images: The O'Brien column, Lisacannor, Co. Clare (read more) & thatched cottage in Lenankeel, Co. Donegal (read more). Both conservation projects were supported through funding from the Irish Georgian Society and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaelteacht.

Financial Assistance for Architectural Heritage

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.

Built Heritage Investment Scheme and Historic Structures Fund 2019

On 28th November 2018, Minister Madigan announced that the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Historic Structures Fund (formerly the Structures at Risk Fund) will operate again in 2019 with total funding of up to €4.3 million.

Full details and application forms for 2019 are available on local authority websites. Any enquiries about funding under these schemes must be directed to the relevant local authority (the Architectural Conservation Officer or other person in the local authority dealing with the schemes).

The Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2019 (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. Details and application forms etc. will be available from each local authority shortly. The allocation for 2019 is up to €2.5 million.

• Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2019 Circular
• Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2019 Public Information Leaflet [To be provided]

The Historic Structures Fund 2019 (HSF) (formerly the Structures at Risk Fund) 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.

The fund is generally administered through the local authorities. Details and application forms etc. will be available from each local authority shortly. The allocation for 2019 is up to €1.8 million.

• Historic Structures Fund 2019 Circular

Please note: All information above is taken from the website of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaelteacht (link), this scheme is not administered by the IGS.