Northern Ireland Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has officially launched this year's Northern Ireland Historic Environment Fund (HEF), a significant grant programme designed to support the repair, research and regeneration of the region's heritage assets.

Delivered by the Department for Communities, the fund specifically targets listed buildings, scheduled monuments, and broader community heritage projects.

Minister Lyons announced a total allocation of £810,000 for the fund, with £500,000 already earmarked for capital repairs to 86 listed buildings, for which applications were invited in autumn 2024. The Department is now inviting new applications for the remaining funds under its Regeneration, Research, and Revival Streams.

"I am pleased to announce this year's funding availability for Northern Ireland's Historic Environment, in particular, financial assistance for regeneration, research and revival activities," said Minister Lyons. "This funding will provide vital support to work which realises the Department's aim of helping communities to enjoy and appreciate the wider value of our historic environment."

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The fund encourages third-party initiatives that align with the Department's goal of empowering communities to appreciate and benefit from Northern Ireland's historic environment. Eligible applicants include owners of listed buildings and monuments, community and heritage organisations, and district councils.

The open streams for applications are:

• Monument Regeneration Fund: Supports minor works for monument owners.

• Research and Revival General Stream: Assists communities in researching or celebrating their heritage.

• Research and Revival Stream for Councils: Supports councils in developing initiatives to improve public understanding of local heritage.

• Listed Building Development Support: Aids owners of heritage at-risk listed buildings in developing project proposals.

• Scheduled Monument Development Support: Supports communities in preliminary works for monuments to prepare for future repair.

For more information and details on how to apply, interested parties should visit the Historic Environment Funding & Grants section of the Communities NI website. All applications must be submitted by 5pm on Friday, September 5, with funding offers expected to be issued in early October 2025.