Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
583. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to provide grant support for the restoration of derelict and traditional cottages and houses particularly those that are included on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32502/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides financial support for the protection of heritage buildings and historic structures through two grant schemes which are, in the main, administered by the local authorities. These are the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF).
The BHIS is a scheme for the repair and conservation of structures on the local authority Record of Protected Structures. 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 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.
This year 450 heritage projects across every county in the country will benefit from a combined sum of over €4.3m under these schemes. In addition a further €1m was announced recently for built heritage projects under the Government's July Jobs Stimulus Package. The funding will supplement 28 projects already approved under the BHIS and HSF, as well as 13 new projects categorised as urgent built heritage works.
Both schemes could potentially provide support for the restoration of eligible derelict and traditional cottages and houses. Applications for funding under the 2021 schemes will open later this month and full details will be available on my Department’s website and on each local authority’s website.
In addition, my Department is currently preparing a three-year strategy for vernacular houses and other structures which is intended to address various issues, including dereliction. With appropriate advice and support frameworks, such structures could be rehabilitated as viable places to live in. It is hoped that the various actions proposed in the strategy will also help to reinforce a sense of place, community and local pride. My Department will be working closely with local authorities and other bodies to ensure the actions are implemented.
