Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2024

Update:

The Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2024 is closed for this year.
Call back soon for details of any future funding opportunities under this, or other, built-heritage grant schemes.

The Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2024 provides funding to supports owners and custodians in caring for historic properties. Funding awarded is from €2,500 up to €15,000. The scheme also aims to: 

  • Leverage private capital for investment of small-scale, labour-intensive conservation projects in the repair of the historic built environment
  • Repair and conserve structures protected under the Planning and Development Acts. This helps owners fulfil their obligation to maintain these heritage buildings into the future
  • Support a traditional skills training element, such as roofing, thatching, lime mortar, dry stone walling, ironworks and masonry. Any such projects must be agreed in advance by the Department and the relevant local authority.

Qualifying structures

Qualifying structures for the Built Heritage Investment Scheme are:

  1. Protected structures (listed on the Record of Protected Structures), as set out in the Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 (Volume Two Appendix, Appendix Six)
  2. Proposed protected structures (proposed to be listed on the Record of Protected Structures)
  3. Structures in Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs) or within the amenity of a National Monument, as set out in the Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027 (Volume Two Appendix, Appendix Six)

The Record of Protected Structures includes the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) registration number which should be included in the application form. Further information about the individual structures in the NIAH can be found at buildingsofireland.ie.

Qualifying and non-qualifying works

Qualifying working under the scheme include: 

  • Structural stability and roofs
  • Rainwater disposal
  • External walls and joinery
  • Stained glass and external Features
  • Interiors
  • Energy efficiency improvements
  • Machinery and temporary works
  • Professional fees

Typical non-qualifying working under the scheme include alterations, demolition, restoration, non-essential work, pre-existing works, and public realm.

For greater detail on qualifying and non-qualifying works contact the Longford County Council Heritage Office.

Match funding

Under this scheme, public funding for individual projects must not exceed 50% of total project cost. This includes funding received from other public agencies including the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), the Heritage Council, LEADER and other government departments and local authorities. Voluntary work (benefit-in-kind), local authorities’ own funds or contributions, or funding from other exchequer sources cannot be used to satisfy this match funding requirement.

How to apply

Complete the Built Heritage Investment Scheme application form and the Application Checklist. The application form and application checklist are also available as Gaeilge

Please note the requirement for supplying maps, photographs, costs and method statement with this application. 

Before completing your application, you must read the Built Heritage Investment Scheme Guidance Booklet for Applicants. The Built Heritage Investment Scheme Guidance Booklet for Applicants is also available as Gaeilge. 

Email your completed application form, application checklist and supporting documents to heritage@longfordcoco.ie by Wednesday, 24 January 2024. The subject line of your email should include: 'BHIS 2024' and the name of the structure, otherwise the application form may not be reviewed on time. 

To help with your application, you can take a look the sample application form.

Successful applicants will be notified in March or April 2024. Grant-aided works should not start before this time. The works must start before August 2024 and be completed by the first week of October 2024.