Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, has announced a significant investment of €11.1 million to support the preservation and restoration of Ireland's archaeological and built heritage.

The funding will be allocated to three key schemes:

• Community Monuments Fund (CMF): €7.4 million to support community-led projects aimed at conserving local monuments and archaeological sites.

• Historic Structures Fund (HSF): €3.2 million to assist owners and custodians of historic buildings in undertaking essential repairs and conservation works.

• Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS): €500,000 to support the maintenance and restoration of historic thatched buildings.

This investment, combined with the €6 million already allocated to the main stream of the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, brings the total funding for heritage projects in 2025 to €17.1 million.

The funding will support approximately 950 projects across Ireland, helping to preserve our cultural heritage, create jobs, and boost local economies.

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Speaking today, Minister Noonan said: "I am thrilled to announce €11.1m in funding for built and archaeological heritage, in addition to €6m already allocated. These funds are essential in the conservation and protection of our monuments and historic buildings and streetscapes, which are under threat from external factors such as climate change.

"The funds also support Ireland’s heritage sector by providing thousands of days of work for skilled heritage professionals. It’s fantastic to see how these funds have grown over the last number of years and I’m particularly pleased to see continued ring-fenced support for historic thatched buildings. We have a duty towards our heritage and to those who champion it and these investments will help to ensure that it continues to enrich all of our lives."

Also commenting on today’s launch, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, said: "We are very pleased to announce these heritage funds for 2025. I have seen first-hand how these funds can make a very real difference to the character and amenity of our cities, towns, and countryside, and support the re-use of our historic building stock. I have met local authority staff, community groups and private owners across the island who care for and champion their local heritage and I’m gladdened that they and their communities will benefit from the funds."

Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government and Planning, Alan Dillon TD, said: "It is tremendous to see the cooperation of our National Monuments Service and National Built Heritage Service with the local authorities in administering these schemes. They provide a very effective means of helping local authorities meet their responsibilities in caring for our rich built and archaeological heritage. I would like to commend all of those involved in rolling out and overseeing these schemes."

Calls for the three grant schemes will be opened by mid-November, including details of eligibility, application deadlines and activity supported.