Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 April 2025
237. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are capital funding streams available or planned to support the adaptive reuse of old or protected buildings for agricultural purposes, such as farm buildings or rural enterprise, in a way that preserves architectural heritage and supports rural economic activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16348/25]
View answerThere are a variety of schemes available which can provide support of the type described.
My Department provides funding for the protection of eligible heritage buildings (principally protected structures) through two grant schemes: the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF).
The BHIS is a grant scheme that supports owners and custodians to maintain and conserve their historic buildings. Grants of between €2,500 and €50,000 are available under the scheme. Earlier this year I announced funding of €8.1m for 650 projects under BHIS 2025. The window for 2026 applications will open in July this year.
The HSF provides similar support at a larger scale, offering grants from €50,000 to €200,000. Last week I announced that over €3.5 million is to be awarded to 28 projects throughout the country to help repair and protect landmark buildings under HSF 2025. The window for applications for 2026 will open later this year.
Both schemes can provide grant support for the conservation and re-purposing of historic agricultural buildings. Applications are made to the relevant local authority. The Architectural Conservation Officer or Heritage Officer within the local authority is best placed to advise prospective applicants.
A further option that may be relevant in this case is the Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme. This is run by the Heritage Council, which operates under the aegis of my Department, using funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The principal objective of this scheme is to ensure that traditional farm buildings and other related structures that contribute to the character of the landscape are conserved for active agricultural use. Grants range from €4,000 to €30,000.
Arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. It is advised to contact the Heritage Council directly for further information at oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie.
