I propose to take Questions Nos. 205 to 207, inclusive, together.
My Department provides financial support for eligible conservation works towards heritage buildings, historic structures and archaeological monuments through three 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) and the Community Monuments Fund (CMF).
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 is administered by the local authorities on behalf of my Department, and it is through the local authorities that assessments are made and funding is granted. Queries regarding any assessments or feedback for a BHIS grant should be directed to the Architectural Conservation Officer or Heritage Officer within the local authority. They are also very well placed to advise on the various options available to applicants when deciding on reapplying in the future. It should be noted that applications are closed for 2022, but I plan to announce details of the 2023 scheme towards the end of this year.
Details of the grant offers made under the 2022 BHIS may be found at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/press-release/136b2-minister-noonan-announces-over-4m-in-funding-for-512-built-heritage-projects-across-ireland/.