Local heritage in Fingal to receive increased government support

15th November, 2022

The preservation of Ireland’s built heritage received a significant boost with the launch of the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) for 2023. With combined funding of €9m, the schemes represent a significant investment and a 12.5% increase in funding on last year. It is expected the BHIS and HSF will support hundreds of projects and create over 50,000 days of employment for skilled conservation professionals and craftspeople.

Skerries Councillor, Karen Power commented on the announcement;

“It is fantastic to see such support given to our built heritage, which is obviously an extremely important part of our history and identity. This investment is an excellent opportunity to boost the local economy in Skerries, Balbriggan, Louoghshinny and Balrothery and will give significant support to local jobs in conservation and traditional skills.”

Minister Joe O’Brien said;

“Supporting our communities in their efforts to repair, preserve and restore our built heritage takes significant time, care, expertise, and investment. I am therefore delighted that my colleague Malcolm Noonan, Minister for Heritage has announced that applications are now open for both the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and Historic Structures Fund for 2023, with combined funding of €9m.”

“It is our responsibility to ensure that our heritage is preserved for future generations, so that they too can enjoy our Irish heritage. This funding goes a long way to ensuring this is possible for the people of Fingal and across the country.”

The Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Historic Structures Fund support the owners and custodians of protected structures in every local authority area across the country. Together, the schemes will assist hundreds of small-scale, labour-intensive projects as well as larger-scale projects to repair and conserve our historic built environment. It will also include funding for the conservation of shopfronts in the Irish language.

The funding announced by Minister Noonan includes a total of €4.5 million for the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, and €4.5 million for the Historic Structures Fund. In 2022, 594 projects were funded by the two schemes, ranging from minor essential repairs of rainwater goods to large-scale roof repairs.

Applications open from 11 November, until 31 January 2023. Details of the schemes and how to apply are available on all local authority websites and the Department’s website www.housing.gov.ie