Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
698. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if grants are in place from his Department for the repair and restoration for wrought iron gates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16050/23]
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. Further details of both schemes, including guidance material, can be found on the website of all local authorities and my Department’s website.
I announced the awards for both schemes for 2023 last month and the schemes are now closed for this year. However, should the works and relevant structure be eligible, an application would be welcomed for next year's schemes, which I intend to launch towards the end of this year. Applications should be made to the local authority. It is advised to contact the Architectural Conservation Officer or Heritage Officer in the local authority in question for more information on the schemes as well as advice on the eligibility of the project at hand.
