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Almost 700 historic structures across Ireland are to receive €8.1 million in conservation support in 2026, Ministers James Browne TD and Christopher O'Sullivan TD have confirmed.
Administered by local authorities and funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage's National Built Heritage Service, the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) aims to conserve and enhance buildings and streetscapes while sustaining traditional skills.
Property owners will be able to undertake maintenance and repair works ranging from routine upkeep to significant restoration on homes, public buildings and other protected structures in cities, towns, villages and the countryside. Grants of between €2,500 and €50,000 are available, with dedicated streams for vernacular buildings and historic shopfronts, plus a 'micro' grant stream.
Notable allocations include €19,000 for roof repairs at St Anne's Church on Dawson Street, Dublin 1; €30,000 for external wall works at Marsh's Library, St Patrick's Close, Dublin; €20,000 for interior works at Dunsink Observatory, Castleknock, Dublin; €37,500 for windows, doors and associated elements at St Mary's Collegiate Church, Youghal, Co Cork; €20,000 for reinstating character timber windows at the Head Gardener's House, Kylemore Abbey, Connemara; and €35,000 for thatching and other works at Elphin Windmill, Co Roscommon.
Of the €8.1 million total, almost €1.1 million is earmarked for thatched buildings. This comprises almost €600,000 from the dedicated Historic Thatched Buildings stream and a further €490,000 from the mainstream BHIS.
The Department estimates that, alongside the public grants, owners and custodians will contribute approximately €35 million of private investment, strengthening the conservation effort and supporting jobs for skilled conservation professionals, craftspeople and trades.
Announcing the allocations on 23 January 2026, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, remarked: "This funding under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme will ensure that the architectural legacy of past generations continues to survive in towns, villages, and rural communities across the country.
"The preservation of our built heritage relies on our taking action today to repair, maintain, and secure the integrity of these buildings with the care and attention they deserve. That is why my Department continues to make substantial funding available under this scheme – as well as through other schemes such as the Historic Structures Fund and Community Monuments Fund – thereby helping to renew and protect the fabric of our architectural heritage with each passing year.
"Along with new initiatives such as the revised Living City Initiative, the improved and expanded Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, the Built Heritage Investment Scheme helps to preserve our past while also securing our future by maximising use of existing building stock and helping to prevent or reverse vacancy, dereliction, and underuse."
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan TD, added: "Built heritage in Ireland isn't just about great houses and magnificent public structures. Often, the architectural jewel in our towns and villages is a historic building where people meet, live or work.
"As Minister for Heritage, I'm proud to be able to support the owners and custodians of these unique properties – which often present unique challenges when it comes to modern living and use – to protect them, restore them and make them more comfortable through initiatives like the Built Heritage Investment Scheme.
"The Government is committed to helping communities and individuals to keep these buildings alive, prevent them from falling into ruin and ensure that they are in good health for future generations. At the same time, we're supporting the traditional craftspeople all over the country whose specialist skills turn history into homes, community hubs and businesses. I trust that the €8.1m funding provided this year will have an enormous impact, and I look forward to seeing how the projects progress over the course of the year."
