Josepha Madigan TD launches the Historic Structures Fund and Built Heritage Investment Scheme

Applications are now open through your local council for the Built Heritage and Historic Structures fund 2020.

These funds represent a government initiative to assist owners and guardians of protected structures throughout the country.

Minister Madigan said, ‘It gives me great pleasure to launch the 2020 built heritage schemes, which are now open for applications. Together, these two schemes represent a combined investment by my Department of up to €4.3 million to support hundreds of built heritage projects across the country in 2020.’

As well as supporting the owners and inhabitants of historic buildings in maintaining and protecting their properties, these grants also contribute to the regeneration of wider communities.

Part of this funding is for minor repair works and routine maintenance in recognition of the action plan for global climate change.

The funding is split into €2.5 million for Built Heritage and €1.8 million for the Historic Structures Fund.

The government recommendation if you live in a protected structure is to contact your local conservation officer who will be able to advise you.

Last year 478 projects nationwide received funding under these schemes.

Grants for Windows

In relation to historic timberframe windows, the government circular states that:

‘Windows, doors and associated elements: Works to prevent water ingress. Works to repair significant elements of external joinery with minimal replacement of decayed timber. Repair of stained glass windows and associated works in accordance with best practice as set out in Chapter 6 of The Conservation of Places of Worship, Advice Series (2011), https://www.chg.gov.ie/app/uploads/2015/07/The-Conservation-of-Places-of-Worship-2011.pdf.’

For further information, visit this page on the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht website:

The closing date for applications is the 31^st January 2020. However, each council has it’s own deadlines. Dublin City Council, for example, requires documents to be submitted by 4pm on the 24th January 2020.

For more information have a look at the following links:

Published 2nd December 2019

Jennie Ritchie, Timeless Sash Windows