Over €4.4m awarded for protection of heritage buildings
Over €4.4m has been awarded for protection of Ireland’s heritage buildings.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan have announced €4.42 million in funding to be awarded to 40 projects.
This is for the repair and protection of landmark buildings under the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2026.
Highlights among this year’s projects include over €180,000 for the Wonderful Barn, Leixlip, Co. Kildare with ground chamber and other works helping to reinstate its use by the public, and €115,000 for roof repairs to protect the historic Dingle Courthouse building in Dingle, Co. Kerry.
Legacy
Announcing the list of successful projects, Minister Browne said: “The award of funding under the HIF is a demonstration of our commitment to preserving and enhancing Ireland’s architectural legacy.
“Along with the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, this government is continuing its commitment to safeguard our built heritage, keeping many buildings in use and helping to bring many others back into use.
“The funding also supports the survival of the skills and expertise needed to maintain our built heritage and this will also have an economic benefit by generating employment for heritage contractors and other skilled crafts and tradespeople across the country.”
Minister O’Sullivan said communities across the country "know the value of our built heritage, and many of them dedicate their time, passion and expertise to ensuring their protection".
“This grant can make the difference between a cherished heritage building falling into disrepair or being restored and valued as part of a thriving streetscape," he said.
"I know this funding will have a huge impact around the country and I look forward to seeing the results for myself over the coming months and years.”
Alongside other heritage funding streams such as the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the recently reopened Conservation Advice Grant Scheme, the HIF aims to conserve, protect, and promote the use of historic buildings across our cities, towns, villages and countryside.
This scheme operates on a match-funding basis with owners and custodians of historic buildings obliged to contribute towards the final cost of works.
Traditional farm buildings
Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine Martin Heydon this week announced the opening of the 2026 Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme.
The minister confirmed that the department will allocate funding of €750,000 for the 2026 edition of the scheme.
The amount of funding is half of what was allocated in 2025, which was €1.5 million.
