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NEW - Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2026

Applications are now being accepted for the Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2026

25th July 2025 - Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Brown TD, confirmed that the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2026 for the repair and conservation of protected structures has been launched for the coming year. This announcement also includes Historic Thatch Buildings (HTB) 2026 funding for the conservation of historic thatched buildings.

Please note that the changes made to the scheme in 2025 will also apply to the 2026 scheme:

  • Grants of up to €50,000 are now available to cover the cost of maintaining and conserving Ireland’s architectural heritage, a significant increase on the previous maximum award of €15,000.
  • Up to 80% of the project's total cost may be applied for (previously 50%) e.g. an applicant in receipt of the full €50,000 would need to provide a minimum of €10,000 of their own funding.
  • The timeframe of the scheme is changing with applications open from now until Friday 26th September (previously November).
  • Successful projects will be announced in early January (previously March), giving owners and craftspeople additional time to schedule and complete their projects during 2026. 

Please note that the level of award will be at the discretion of the local authority and most applicants may be approved for less than 80% of their project costs under the scheme.

Buildings/structures eligible for funding under the scheme include:

  • Protected structures (i.e. those on the local authority’s record of protected structures)
  • Proposed protected structures (i.e. buildings the local authority has proposed to add to its list)
  • Structures in Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs are defined by the Local Authority)
  • Vernacular buildings (max. grant for these is €30,000)

Application Details:

BHIS 2026 - Guidance Booklet for Applicants

BHIS 2026 - Qualifying and Non Qualifying Works

BHIS 2026 - Application Form A

BHIS 2026 - Application Form A Checklist

BHIS 2026 - Circular

List of qualified tradespeople - LOUTH TRADITIONAL BUILDING AND CONSERVATION SKILL AND TRADES REGISTER (Sept 24)

The Irish language versions of the BHIS 2026 Circular and Application Form A are available on:

https://www.gov.ie/ga/an-roinn-tith%C3%ADochta-rialtais-%C3%A1it%C3%BAil-agus-oidhreachta/seirbhisi/sc%C3%A9im-infheist%C3%ADochta-don-oidhreacht-th%C3%B3gtha-siot/ 

The Irish language versions of the HTB 2026 Circular and Application Form A are available on:

https://www.gov.ie/ga/an-roinn-tith%C3%ADochta-rialtais-%C3%A1it%C3%BAil-agus-oidhreachta/seirbhisi/sruth-um-fhoirgnimh-ceann-tu%C3%AD-stairi%C3%BAla/

Closing date for receipt of completed applications is
4pm on Friday 26th September, 2025