The Historic Structures Fund (HSF) for 2026 has been officially launched by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan TD.

The scheme offers a vital stream of finance for the conservation sector, supporting the repair, maintenance, and rejuvenation of historic buildings across every Local Authority area in Ireland.

The 2025 scheme allocated over €3.5 million in funding to 28 projects. Recent construction and conservation works supported by the HSF include crucial repairs to the iconic four-faced clock tower of St. Anne's Church in Shandon, Cork City, and works on the Former Prior Endowed School in Lifford to prepare it as the future home for the Donegal County Archive.

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The HSF is a key grant scheme for historic buildings offered by the National Built Heritage Service (NBHS). It aims to prevent historic structures from falling into disrepair or dereliction, recognising the dedication of skilled craftspeople and conservation experts involved in this specialised field of construction.

Funding is specifically targeted at the conservation of the historic fabric of these important buildings. Priority is given to structural works that protect or repair the outer envelope of a building, such as:

• Roof and window repair.

• Repointing or re-rendering of external walls.

• Other similar protective works.

The HSF 2026 will offer grants of up to €200,000 for projects that demonstrate strong built heritage conservation objectives alongside a clear public or community benefit.

Minister O'Sullivan encouraged potential applicants to contact the Architectural Conservation Officer or Heritage Officer within their Local Authority as soon as possible. To be eligible for the scheme, a property must be included (or eligible for inclusion) in the Record of Protected Structures of the relevant Local Authority. Structures within an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) may also be eligible.

Minister Browne stressed the importance of the fund, stating that historic buildings "are part of the fabric of our heritage and it is important that they are preserved, remaining part of life of our villages, towns and cities".