Almost 700 historic buildings to receive €8 million in conservation funding
Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2026 to support restoration works across cities, towns and rural Ireland
23 January 2026 | 📧 editor@ipropertyradio.com
Almost 700 historic buildings across Ireland are to benefit from more than €8 million in conservation funding under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2026, announced today by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
A total of 696 projects nationwide have been approved for funding this year, with €8.1 million allocated to support the repair, restoration and protection of historic structures. The funding includes almost €1.1 million specifically earmarked for thatched buildings, reflecting continued State support for traditional building forms and skills.
The scheme, funded by the Department’s National Built Heritage Service and administered by local authorities, supports works to protected structures under the Planning and Development Acts. Grants range from €2,500 to €50,000 and are designed to assist owners in maintaining and enhancing Ireland’s architectural heritage while preventing vacancy, dereliction and long-term underuse.
Projects approved for funding in 2026 range from small-scale conservation works on vernacular buildings to major interventions on nationally significant landmarks. Examples include €19,000 for roof repairs to St Anne’s Church on Dawson Street in Dublin, €30,000 for external wall repairs at Marsh’s Library beside St Patrick’s Cathedral, and €20,000 for interior conservation works at Dunsink Observatory in Castleknock. Regional projects include funding for Kylemore Abbey in Connemara, St Mary’s Collegiate Church in Youghal, and Elphin Windmill in County Roscommon.
Announcing the allocations, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD said the scheme plays a key role in ensuring historic buildings remain in active use within communities. He said continued investment in conservation helps protect architectural heritage while also maximising the use of existing building stock and supporting wider policies to address vacancy and dereliction.
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan TD said the funding recognises that built heritage extends beyond landmark buildings to include the historic homes, workplaces and community buildings at the heart of towns and villages. He noted that the scheme also sustains traditional craftspeople whose specialist skills are essential to conservation-led regeneration.
In addition to public funding, the Department estimates that owners and custodians will commit approximately €35 million in private investment to these projects, significantly increasing the overall impact of the scheme and reinforcing the partnership between the State, communities and private individuals.
The BHIS incorporates dedicated streams for vernacular buildings, historic shopfronts and routine maintenance works, alongside the Historic Thatched Buildings stream. Subject to funding, both the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Historic Thatched Buildings Scheme are expected to reopen for applications in July for projects scheduled for completion in 2027.
Full lists of approved projects, including those relating to thatched buildings, are available on the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage website.
