My role with regard to the protection and management of our architectural heritage is set out in the provisions of relevant legislation, as are the roles of local authorities and the responsibilities of owners.
My Department provides financial support for the protection of heritage buildings and historic structures through the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS), which are in the main, administered by local authorities. The BHIS has been allocated €3m this year, up 20% on 2020. The HSF has also been allocated €3m, up over 75% on 2020. Details of the projects to be funded under both schemes were announced recently and are available on my Department’s website. Details of the 2022 schemes will be made available later this year.
In addition to the above, grants are available under my Department’s renewal or repair of thatched roof grant scheme, details of which are available on my Department’s website.