Fingal County Council's Conservation Office is inviting applications for the 2026 Stitch in Time (SIT) conservation grant, an annual programme that helps owners of historic buildings with small repairs and routine maintenance. The scheme is open to protected structures and properties located within Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs).

This year, the Council is placing particular emphasis on works that improve the climate resilience of historic buildings. With changing weather patterns linked to climate change, projections for Ireland indicate more frequent winter Atlantic storms, higher average temperatures, drier summers with drought and wildfire risk, and wetter winters leading to flooding. For heritage properties, these trends pose specific challenges; regular upkeep of roofs, chimneys and rainwater goods is a crucial first line of defence against storm damage.

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Helena Bergin and Bronagh Lanigan, Fingal's Architectural Conservation Officers, have seen the scheme grow over the last decade since its creation.

Helena comments that "Fingal's Stitch in Time Grant has proven to be a resounding success, providing financial support for owners or guardians of historic structures in the Fingal area to carry out routine maintenance, urgent repairs or temporary holding works as they arise, or to commission condition reports by conservation professionals to advise on appropriate repair methods and materials. We are fortunate that the scheme, as it currently operates, allows for applications to be submitted throughout the year, until the annual budget is fully allocated. Funding is still available for 2026. We wish in particular to raise awareness that the scheme can help owners with works to ready their historic buildings for increased rain fall or to address storm damage."

Grants cover up to 80% of eligible costs, to a maximum of €2,500. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the annual budget is fully allocated, and funding remains available for 2026. Full details and the application form are available on the Fingal County Council website. To receive updates on conservation grants, news and events, email the Conservation Office to join the contact list.