Departmental Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 December 2022

Thursday, 8 December 2022

Questions (229)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

229. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding and or grant assistance that may be available for the restoration, renovation and-or refurbishment of churches and cathedrals; if she will outline the qualifying criteria and application process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61511/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government

My 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 of eligible 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.  Further details of both schemes, including guidance material and application forms, can be found on the website of all local authorities and on my Department’s website.

I announced both schemes for 2023 on 16 November and the application process is now open. All applications should be made to the local authority. It should be noted that the deadline for applications to my Department is 31 January 2023, however the local authority deadline will be in advance of this date. 

Generally speaking, many historic churches and cathedrals are eligible to apply to these schemes. However, it is advised to contact the Architectural Conservation Officer or Heritage Officer in the relevant local authority for more information on the schemes in relation to the context of a particular building or historic structure, as they would be best placed to advise.