Waterford City & County Council has announced that the 2024 Historic Structures Fund (HSF) can now be applied for.

The fund which is part of Project Ireland 2040 will provide €4 million of funding under the HSF in 2024.

Stream one of the HSF will offer grants from €15,000 up to €50,000 and is aimed at essential repairs and smaller capital works for the refurbishment and conservation of heritage structures.

Stream one historic shopfronts sub-stream will encourage the conservation of historic shopfronts. Local authorities are invited to submit an additional application under Stream one for eligible essential repairs and small capital works for the refurbishment and conservation of historic shop facades, windows, signage and other associated details to safeguard them and keep them in use. Local Authorities are also invited to make an additional application for Irish-language shopfronts.

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Stream two of the fund will offer a small number of grants from €50,000 up to €200,000 for bigger improvement, refurbishment or reuse projects involving heritage structures. Projects include those where:

• A clear community or public benefit has been demonstrated, or

• A clear residential benefit has been demonstrated (such projects must be advanced through the planning process as necessary)

In exceptional circumstances where a case is made by an applicant in relation to the significance of the project and the works proposed, a grant of over €200,000 may be awarded.

The Vernacular Structures Stream is being retained for 2024 with funding of €150,000. The purpose of the stream is to support conservation repairs and small capital works to vernacular structures that are not listed in local authority. All local authorities can apply for funding for specific projects of between €5,000 and €10,000.

Application forms must be submitted by email by 5.00 pm on 19 January 2024 and successful applicants must have the works completed by the 27th of September 2024.