Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the opening of applications for three Government funding schemes that will help protect and preserve Ireland’s historic buildings and structures.

The Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS), Historic Structures Fund (HSF) and Historic Thatched Buildings (HTB) scheme are now open for applications for 2027.

The schemes, which are operated by local authorities and funded through the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, support owners of historic buildings and protected structures to carry out repair and conservation works while also helping to preserve traditional building skills.

More than €12 million was awarded to over 700 projects across the country in 2026, including more than €600,000 specifically for the conservation of historic thatched buildings.

Welcoming the opening of the schemes, Minister Canney said: “These grants provide valuable support for people who own and care for some of our most important historic buildings. They help protect our built heritage while ensuring these buildings can continue to be used and enjoyed for generations to come.

“The schemes also support skilled craftspeople and traditional building techniques, helping to keep these important skills alive while protecting the character of our towns, villages and rural communities.”

The Built Heritage Investment Scheme provides grants of between €2,500 and €50,000 for repair and maintenance works to protected and other historic buildings.

The Historic Structures Fund offers grants of up to €200,000 for larger conservation projects that deliver a clear public or community benefit.

The Historic Thatched Buildings scheme provides dedicated funding for repair works to historic thatched properties, with funding allocated to local authorities based on the number of thatched structures in their areas.

Applications for the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and Historic Thatched Buildings scheme close on 30 October 2026, while applications for the Historic Structures Fund close on 27 November 2026.

Further information, including eligibility criteria and application details, is available on the following links:

Built Heritage Investment Scheme: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/services/built-heritage-investment-scheme-bhis/

Historic Thatch Grant: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/services/historic-thatch-grant/