Funding of €60 million has been made available for the restoration of vacant or derelict heritage buildings in the Southern, Eastern and Midland regions of Ireland.

The announcement of the funding, which is available through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), was made by Ministers Darragh O'Brien and Alan Dillon, who indicated the focus will be on buildings in public ownership; revitalising urban centres, bringing valued heritage buildings back into use as community assets and delivering on New European Bauhaus and Town Centre First policies.

Building on the success of the initial funding round last year, the Southern Regional Assembly is pleased to have opened the second call for applications, yesterday, under Strand 2 of THRIVE – the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme - with awards of up to €7 million available to refurbish, restore and adapt publicly owned heritage buildings within town centres.

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THRIVE empowers local authorities to reimagine and adapt heritage buildings, preserving their historical and cultural significance while creating vibrant and sustainable urban spaces.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O'Brien TD, said: "This funding gives local authorities the tools to bring Ireland’s heritage buildings into the 21st century, not only preserving and protecting these important heritage assets, but also ensuring their sustainable re-use for future generations.

"I look forward to seeing the regeneration benefits that will arise out of this funding and will strengthen the vibrancy of towns and cities throughout Ireland."

Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, Alan Dillon TD, added: "The THRIVE scheme underscores our commitment to tackling vacancy, promoting heritage-led regeneration and delivering on the Town Centre First policy.

"The Town Centre First approach ensures that local authorities are engaged with their citizens in developing new plans to transform and celebrate these underutilised heritage buildings for the benefit of their communities, while breathing new life into towns and urban centres across the country."

With 100% grant aid available, local authorities are encouraged to act swiftly, as this competitive funding opportunity promises to generate significant interest nationwide.

The THRIVE initiative is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern and Midlands Regional Programme 21-27.

Application guidelines and eligibility criteria are available here.