Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Christopher O'Sullivan TD, has opened applications for three schemes for 2027: the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS), the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) and the Historic Thatched Buildings (HTB) scheme.

Funded by the Department through the National Built Heritage Service and administered by local authorities, the schemes are a central State mechanism to help owners of historic buildings and protected structures undertake essential repair and conservation so they can be safeguarded for future generations.

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In 2026, more than €12 million was awarded to over 700 projects nationally. Laois received €195,436.87 under BHIS and €132,209 through HSF, supporting conservation works at 17 historic buildings. These included a wide variety of structures, from commercial premises such as the Fisherman's Inn thatched pub and period houses, to vernacular cottages and community sites including St. Fintan’s Church, Durrow, the Old National School, Vicarstown, and Timahoe Heritage Centre.

Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS): Grants of between €2,500 and €50,000 are available to support maintenance and repair works to buildings that are on the Record of Protected Structures, as well as to vernacular buildings without statutory protection that remain vital to Ireland’s architectural heritage.

Historic Thatched Buildings (HTB): This dedicated strand provides targeted support for owners of historic structures with thatched roofs and operates in conjunction with the BHIS.

Historic Structures Fund (HSF): The 2027 HSF will offer grants of up to €200,000 for projects with strong conservation objectives that also demonstrate clear public or community benefit, enabling vital investment in valued heritage and helping custodians protect it for the future.