Applications are now invited for Galway City Council's 2027 Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS), offering grant support for conservation works to eligible historic structures. The application form and guidance for applicants can be downloaded from the council's website.

Eligible projects include: protected structures on the Galway City Record of Protected Structures; buildings within Architectural Conservation Areas (there are 11 ACAs in Galway City); vernacular structures (protected, within ACAs or non-protected); and historic shopfronts.

Applicants should review the guidance, including the list of qualifying and non-qualifying works. Each application must include: a completed Application Form A; a method statement for the proposed works; and a quotation for the works. All works must comply with statutory requirements, including planning permission where required. For queries or to confirm if a structure is protected, within an ACA or of vernacular origin, contact Michael Scott, Executive Architectural Conservation Officer, at [email protected] or 091 536 400.

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Completed applications must be submitted by 4pm, Friday 30 October 2026, by email to [email protected] or to the Planning Helpdesk, Galway City Council, College Road, H91 X4K8. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Grants ranging from €2,500 to €50,000 are available, with an additional stream for routine maintenance and minor repairs under €2,500. The total public funding awarded to a project will not exceed 80% of the total cost, and in many cases a lower percentage will apply.

Provisional funding decisions are expected in January 2027, and all works must be completed by October 2027.

Previous BHIS funding in Galway City has supported works to roofs (including thatch), brickwork, iron railings, windows (including the installation of new windows), doors, internal plasterwork, shopfronts, stained glass, wall repairs and external rendering, all delivered to best conservation practice.

The BHIS supports owners and occupiers of historic buildings to maintain and conserve them, promotes best conservation practice, and sustains employment for conservation professionals, craft workers and tradespeople. The scheme is administered by Galway City Council Architectural Conservation on behalf of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

When planning works, applicants are encouraged to follow conservation principles: research and analysis; expert advice; protecting special interest; minimum intervention; respecting earlier alterations; repair rather than replacement; honest, discernible repairs; appropriate, compatible materials and methods; reversibility where possible; awareness of cumulative impact; and discouraging architectural salvage unless provenance is lawful and verified.

Downloads available include BHIS 2027 Application Form A, the BHIS 2027 Circular, the Guidance Booklet for Applicants, and the list of Qualifying and Non-Qualifying Works.