Grants of up to €200,000 available for owners of historic buildings in Donegal
Three schemes operated by Donegal County Council represent one of the State’s main means of supporting owners of historic buildings and protected structures repair and conserve their buildings for future generations
Three key built heritage schemes aimed at supporting owners of historic buildings and protected structures to repair and conserve their buildings are open for applications.
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Christopher O’Sullivan has opened the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS), Historic Structures Fund (HSF) and Historic Thatch Buildings (HTB) for 2027.
These schemes, funded by the department through the National Built Heritage Service (NBHS) and operated by local authorities, represent one of the State’s main means of supporting owners of historic buildings and protected structures repair and conserve their buildings for future generations.
As well as conserving and enhancing historic buildings and streetscapes, the schemes also help to preserve and develop traditional building skills.
The intention of the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2027 is to assist with the repair and conservation of historic buildings and structures within Conservation Areas that are protected under the Planning and Development Acts.
This scheme aims to support a significant number of projects across the country as well as the employment of skilled and experienced conservation professionals, craftspeople and tradespersons in the repair of the historic built environment.
Grants of between €2,500 and €50,000 are available. The scheme also incorporates streams for vernacular buildings.
The Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2027 will offer grants from €50,000 up to €200,000, and will focus on larger enhancement, refurbishment or reuse projects involving heritage structures, where a clear community or public benefit has been demonstrated, or where there would be a residential benefit.
The purpose of the Historic Thatch Buildings (HTB) 2027 is to protect the heritage value of historic thatched roof buildings across Ireland. All historic thatched structures in County Donegal are eligible under this scheme, and it does not need to be on the Record of Protected Structures. This year’s grant scheme will provide support for large-scale re-thatching projects up to €20,000. The funding can provide for up to 80% of the total capital costs of works.
The closing date for receipt of applications for the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and Historic Thatch Buildings (HTB) is 4pm on Friday 30th October, 2026. The Historic Structures Fund (HSF) closes on Friday, November 20. Circulars, information and application forms for all three funding schemes are available on-line from the Donegal County Council website.
Applications for all three built heritage schemes should be made directly by email to [email protected] or by post to Architectural Conservation Office, Donegal County Council, Planning Services, County House, The Diamond, Lifford, F93 Y622 .