The Minister of State with responsibility for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, has announced that a total of 676 heritage projects across every county will benefit from €9 million in financial support through the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) for 2024, with a total of €272,246 going to 16 projects in Clare.
Both schemes support the conservation of historic buildings for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations and are managed jointly by the National Built Heritage Service (NBHS) in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and a network of conservation staff in the 31 local authorities, including expert Architectural Conservation Officers.
The schemes fund a variety of repairs and renovation works to prevent deterioration, protect character, and encourage the re-use of protected structures. The schemes also provide important support for the employment of traditional craftspeople and conservation professionals.
Announcing the awards today, Minister Noonan said: “I am delighted to announce €9 million in funding for 676 heritage projects up and down the country. My Department’s two grant programmes – the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Historic Structures Fund – support the owners and custodians of our nation’s historic structures to conserve and protect them, helping to revitalise historic town centres and ensure their unique character is preserved for future generations. The level of funding available highlights the Government’s ongoing commitment to the built heritage that communities know and love. These schemes also provide valuable work for the many traditional craft and tradespeople across Ireland, helping to keep these unique skills alive.”
Historic Structures Fund (HSF)
The HSF provides grants of between €15,000 and €200,000 to support major conservation works to significant historic buildings. This year, €4.5 million in funding will support 114 projects – the largest ever number approved for funding under the HSF. A total of €163,409 went to 2 projects in Clare.
Projects receiving funding under the HSF this year include:
€153,409 for St. Flannan’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, Killaloe
€10,000 for Lime Kiln, Ennis
Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS)
The BHIS provides grants of up to €15,000 for maintenance and smaller conservation works to help prevent historic buildings from falling into disrepair and possible disuse. In recognition of the particular challenges in caring for thatched properties, the scheme also includes ring-fenced funding for historic thatched buildings, with a maximum grant of €20,000. This year, 562 BHIS grants will be awarded across the country, including 80 for thatched buildings, amounting to €4.5 million in funding. A total of €108,837 went to 14 projects in Clare.
Projects receiving funding under the BHIS this year include:
€8,550 for Loop Head Lighthouse
€8,550 for Cranagher House, Quin
€8,550 for Armsteads Building, Ennistymon
€9,837 for Cottage, Boston
Commenting on the announcement, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, said: “It’s wonderful to see a record number of projects being approved for funding under this year’s Historic Structures Fund. Along with the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, these schemes enable us to protect our precious built heritage and keep many of these of magnificent buildings in use, while bringing others back into use. With projects being approved in every county, the social and economic benefits will be felt in every corner of the country.”
Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, Kieran O’Donnell TD, also welcomed the announcement, saying: “The Historic Structures Fund and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme serve as great examples of what can be achieved when you have a close working relationship with the local authorities, particularly the Architectural Conservation Officers, Heritage Officers, and planning and administrative staff. These schemes provide direct financial assistance on the ground where it’s needed and I’m delighted to see so many projects being approved throughout the country this year”