Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, has launched (16^th Nov 2023) the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Historic Structures Fund for 2023.

The Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Historic Structures Fund support the owners and custodians of protected structures and those in Architectural Conservation Areas to meet their obligations to care for their properties.

Historic Structures Fund 2023

Funding for the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) is being made available as part of Project Ireland 2040 and focuses on caring for and restoring historic structures and buildings for the benefit of communities and the public.  For 2023, the HSF continues to include streams for Vernacular Structures and Historic Shopfronts. 

Circular HSF/2023 ‘Historic Structures Fund’ sets out the operation of the scheme and includes the relevant application forms.

Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2023

The Scheme officially launched on 16th November, 2022 and is intended to assist with the repair and conservation of structures protected under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), RPS, and in certain cases, works to structures within Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs).

Louth County Council has received an allocation of up to €126,400 under this scheme, for 2023 and is now inviting applications.

Circular BHIS 23/1 sets out full details of the scheme along with application forms, and all supporting appendices.

The minimum level of funding awarded will be €2,500 up to a maximum of €15,000.  A minimum of 50% match funding is required.

Application Details

Full details of the above schemes, along with relevant Application Forms, are now available to view/download at https://www.louthcoco.ie/en/services/planning/conservation/  or are available on request from: Conservation Grants, Planning Section, Louth County Council, Town Hall, Crowe Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth A91 W20C.  Phone: 042 939 2932, or  Email:  conservation@louthcoco.ie

The closing date for receipt of applications is 4:30pm on Friday 27^th January 2023.

Completed application forms can be e-mailed to conservation@louthcoco.ie or submitted at any Louth County Council Customer Service Desk.