€1.1 million has been earmarked for works to thatched buildings.

The government has today (Friday, January 23) announced that €8.1 million has been awarded nationally through the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS).

Of the total funding, almost €1.1 million has been confirmed for thatched buildings, made up of almost €600,000 from the dedicated Historic Thatched Buildings stream, plus an additional €490,000 from the mainstream of the BHIS.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, have announced that a total of 696 projects throughout Ireland will receive funding under the BHIS 2026.

Conserve and enhance

With €8.1 million being made available in 2026, the scheme will help property owners to conserve and enhance historic buildings and streetscapes, while also helping to preserve and develop traditional building skills.

This year’s grants will be used to repair, restore and protect historic structures from traditional homes to landmark public buildings across Ireland, in cities, towns and villages, and across the wider countryside.

The BHIS is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s National Built Heritage Service and is administered by the local authorities.

Taking action

Minister James Browne remarked that the funding will "ensure that the architectural legacy of past generations continues to survive in towns, villages and rural communities across the country".

"The preservation of our built heritage relies on our taking action today to repair, maintain and secure the integrity of these buildings with the care and attention they deserve," he said.

Minister of State Christopher O'Sullivan added that the government is "committed to helping communities and individuals to keep these buildings alive, prevent them from falling into ruin and ensure that they are in good health for future generations".

"At the same time, we’re supporting the traditional craftspeople all over the country whose specialist skills turn history into homes, community hubs and businesses," he said.

Historic Thatch Grant

The purpose of the Historic Thatch Grant is to protect heritage value of thatched roof buildings across Ireland, including dwellings and other structures.

The grant also aims to financially support owners of thatched roof buildings with their obligations to protect these structures.

Any historic thatched structure, including domestic or commercial properties are eligible.

The maximum grant available will depend on the type of building and the nature of the applicant (up to €20,000).

The Department of Housing has published the recommended grant offers by local authority for 63 projects under the 2026 BHIS Historic Thatched Buildings stream.