Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2021
389. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if grants are available for a person who wishes to renovate a protected structure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26079/21]
View answerMy Department provides financial support for the protection of eligible heritage buildings and historic structures through two grant schemes which are, in the main, administered by the local authorities. These are the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS).
The HSF is for conservation and enhancement to heritage structures and historic buildings, in both private and public ownership, for the benefit of communities and the public. The BHIS is a scheme for the repair and conservation of structures on the local authority Record of Protected Structures (RPS). It is designed to leverage private capital for investment in small-scale conservation projects across the country and to support the employment of skilled conservation professionals.
The BHIS has been allocated €3m this year, up 20% on 2020. The HSF has also been allocated €3m, up over 75% on 2020. Details of the projects to be funded in 2021 under both schemes were announced recently and are available on my Department’s website. Details of the 2022 schemes, including how and when to apply, will be made available later this year.
In the context of a particular building or historic structure, the best advice is generally to contact the Architectural Conservation Officer or Heritage Officer in the local authority who is very well placed to advise on the various types of funding available to assist with works at a protected structure.
