Financial Support
Financial Support for Protected Structures and Buildings within Architectural Conservation Areas
Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2026
On Friday, July 25, James Browne TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, announced the opening of applications for the Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2026.
Individual grants will range from €2,500 to €50,000. An overview of the scheme and its eligibility criteria can be found in the BHIS 2026 Circular. The aim of the BHIS is to provide financial assistance to owners in carrying out appropriate conservation works to their historic properties which are Protected Structures and/or located within an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA). This scheme supports the basic principles of good conservation practice focusing on the repair of historic fabric, the use of traditional materials and the sensitive introduction of new elements that do not compromise the significance and functionality of the building. BHIS 2026 will be administered by Irenie McLoughlin, Architectural Conservation Officer of South Dublin County Council on behalf of the Department.
Applications must be made using Form A, please see Guidance booklet and application checklist to assist with completing Form A.
Applications will be assessed under the following criteria: (a) Significance of the Structure (b) Efficacy of the Works (c) Quality of the Works and (d) Contribution to Public Amenity. A suitable Method Statement drawn up by a competent conservation professional must be submitted by the applicant and give details of how conservation/repair works will be carried out. Under the BHIS the total value of all public funding provided must not exceed 80% of the total project cost including funding received from other public agencies and government departments.
Details and Application Form can be found on the Councils Websitewww.sdcc.ie. Works approved under this scheme must meet all statutory requirements including the need for planning permission, where appropriate. Click here for Irish language versions of the BHIS 2026 Circular and Application Form A
Successful applicants will be notified in January 2026.
Applications under this fund may be made by email planningdept@SDUBLINCOCO.ie (Subject: Architectural Conservation Grant Scheme) or by post to:
Architectural Conservation Officer, Architectural Conservation Section, Land-Use Planning and Transportation Department, South Dublin County Council, County Hall, Tallaght, Dublin 24.
Please note that the deadline for submission of completed applications to South Dublin County Council is before 5pm, Friday 26th September 2025.
Late applications will not be accepted
Historic Thatched Buildings (HTB) 2026
The announcement also includes Historic Thatch Buildings (HTB) 2026 funding for the conservation of historic thatched buildings.
The purpose of the scheme is to protect the heritage value of historic thatched roof buildings across Ireland, including dwellings and other structures.
Primary Qualifying Works are thatching works to the roof and any necessary work that must be completed as part of these works, such as chimney repairs.
Owner or occupiers of a historic thatched structure, including domestic and commercial properties are eligible to apply for the grant.
The HTBS offers grants up to €20,000. Applicants are required to provide a minimum of 20% of total costs.
An application under the BHIS Historic Thatched Buildings Stream does not preclude a separate application under the Historic Structures Fund or the mainstream of the BHIS, but only one grant can be availed of per structure.
In cases where an applicant is awarded funding under both schemes, the applicant must indicate which scheme they wish to avail of.
BHIS is a very competitive funding stream, and unfortunately no applicant can be guaranteed a set amount of funding under the scheme in any given year.
For your information, the closing date for both BHIS 2026 and HTB 2026 applications is before 5pm, Friday 26th September 2025.
Late applications will not be accepted
