Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2022
An Scéim Infheistíochta don Oidhreacht Thógtha 2022
Tá An Scéim Infheistíochta don Oidhreacht Thógtha 2022 (BHIS 2022) ann chun deisiú agus caomhnú a dhéanamh ar struchtúir atá faoi chosain faoin na hAchtanna um Pleanáil agus Forbairt. Tá mar aidhm ag an scéim seo tacú le líon suntasach tionscadal caomhantais ar scála beag ar fud na tíre atá dian ó thaobh saothair agus tacú le gairmithe caomhantais agus ceardaithe oilte a bhfuil taithí acu a fhostú leis an timpeallacht thógtha stairiúil a dheisiú.
Tá an scéim á riar tríd an Oifig Oidhreachta, Comhairle Chontae an Longfoirt ar son Chontae an Longfoirt.
The Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2022 (BHIS) is for the repair and conservation of structures that are protected under the Planning and Development Acts. This Scheme aims to support a significant number of labour-intensive, small-scale conservation projects across the country and to support the employment of skilled and experienced conservation professionals, craftspeople and tradespersons in the repair of the historic built environment.
The fund is administered by the Longford County Council Heritage Office on behalf of County Longford.
The closing date for receipt of applications for County Longford is Monday 31 January 2022. Please forward your completed application form and supporting documents to heritage@longfordcoco.ie and included BHIS 2022 and the name of your structure' in the subject line
Eolas / Information
Lean an nasc seo chun níos mó eolas a fáil ar an scéim / Follow this link to get more information on this scheme.
Lean an nasc seo chun cóip den foirm iarratais a íoslódáil / Follow this link to download a copy of the application form:
Nótaí / Notes:
This grant will fund up to a maximum of 50% of the project works, between the value of €2,500 and €15,000. While every effort is made to maximise grants to successful applicants, it cannot be guaranteed that the maximum grant will be given. Applicants in receipt of grants above €10,000 in a rolling 12 month period must be tax compliant. PPSN, Tax Access Code and/or eTax Clearance Certificate must be supplied prior to drawdown.
Only one application will be considered per historic structure. Applicants cannot avail of funding under both the Historic Structures Fund and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme in the same year.
This scheme is primarily for structures and buildings that are in the Longford County Council Record of Protected Structures (RPS), with non protected structures in Architectural Conservation Areas, being considered in certain circumstances.
Taifead ar Dhéanmhais Chosanta/ Record of Protected Structures
To find out if your building/structure is on the Longford Record of Protected Structures (RPS) or within an Architectural Conservation Area, (ACA), please visit Appendix 6 of the County Longford Development Plan 2021-2027 (please note that your building may have a new RPS number, please check the register prior to application).
Ráitéas Príomháideachas/ Privacy Statement
The relevant Minster and Government Department, presently the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage, will publish a list of successful applications online and will issue a press release with these details to national and local press. Longford County Council may request the use of photographs of the projects to raise awareness of the scheme and the works being undertaken in the county.
Details provided within the applications forms will be for the sole use of the administration of the Built Heritage Investment Scheme.
Oibreatha cáilithe/ Qualifying works
Below are some of the works that may qualify for funding under this grant scheme. Please read the BHIS 2022 Guidance Document for full details. Click here to download.
Works essential to stabilise a structure or part of a structure
- Works should involve minimal removal or dismantling of historic fabric and proposals for the reinstatement of fabric should be included
- The installation of specialist systems to monitor structural movement
Repair (or renewal) of roof structures, coverings and features
- Works should use appropriate materials and detailing; the salvage and re-use of existing slate and other materials from the structure should be a priority
- Repairs to thatched roofs should use appropriate traditional materials and detailing in accordance with the Advice Series A Guide to the Repair of Thatched Roofs. The use of materials and methods appropriate to the region and the evidence from the building itself should always be preferred.
- Works to renew damaged or missing metal sheeting, gutter linings and flashings (of materials such as lead, copper or zinc) should be to appropriate detailing. Where there is a risk of theft of metalwork from a roof, the use of suitable substitute materials as an interim solution may be considered acceptable. In some circumstances, it may be necessary to redesign the substrate to the sheeting to comply with current good practice; however the visual and physical implications need to be carefully considered before changes are made
- Roof features such as dormer windows, skylights, chimneystacks and pots, cupolas, balustrades, etc. should be retained and appropriately repaired
Repair or replacement of rainwater goods
- Lead and cast-iron rainwater goods should be repaired or, where this is not feasible, replaced on a like-for-like basis to ensure efficient disposal of rainwater from the building. However, where there is a risk of theft or vandalism, the use of suitable substitute materials as an interim solution may be considered acceptable
- Overflows and weirs to rainwater disposal systems should be provided so that, in the case of a blockage, water is visibly shed clear of the structure
Works to repair external walls
- Works to repair walls including surfaces and decorative elements, wall coverings or claddings; works to remedy defects or problems that have the potential to create serious future damage if left untreated, such as foundation settlement, chimney collapse, fungal attack on timber, or salt migration within the fabric
- Works to deal with issues of damp such as the provision of ventilation, and the creation of French drains (subject to the requirements of the National Monuments Service in the case of archaeologically sensitive sites)
- Works to repair or replace elements set in walls such as panels, ironwork or fixtures
Repairs to external joinery
- Works to prevent water ingress
- Repairs to significant elements of external joinery such as windows, doors and associated elements, with minimal replacement of decayed timber and approriate selection and detailing of new sections. Salvage and reuse of historic glass should be prioritised.
- Draught-proofing works to windows and doors in accordance with the Advice Series may qualify (See ‘Energy Efficiency Improvements’ and ‘Non-Qualifying Works’ over)
Repairs to stained glass windows
- Repair of stained glass panels and associated fittings, and the installation of wire guards or repositioning of panels within isothermal glazing, should be carried out in accordance with Chapter 6 of The Conservation of Places of Worship (Advice Series, 2011)
Repair and conservation of external fixtures
- Qualifying fixtures may include for example urns, statues, balconies, canopies, flagpoles, weathervanes and sundials that urgently need conservation
It should be noted that urgent structural repairs should always be given priority over the conservation of fixtures. Fixtures attached to the exterior generally should be prioritised over those protected from the elements
Repair and conservation of internal structure and features
- This includes repairs to internal structural elements such as floors, walls, staircases and partitions (see also ‘Non-Qualifying works’ below)
- Works to conserve significant decorative historic features such as wall and ceiling plasterwork, interior joinery and fittings and decorative elements as appropriate
Repair of machinery which is an integral part of a structure
- Machinery which qualifies may include moving parts of buildings of industrial heritage interest or scientific interest, or machinery such as stage machinery for historic theatres or service installations such as early or historic lifts, plumbing mechanisms and heating systems
Examples of machinery may include waterwheels, millstones, sieves, drying kilns, hoists etc.
Works to stabilise or protect masonry or other elements at risk
Works to increase the thermal performance and energy efficiency of the building in line with the relevant Advice Series guidance
In order to qualify the works must be appropriately detailed, using materials appropriate for use in an historic building, and specified by a qualified conservation professional. The building must be in good repair and well-maintained. Qualifying energy efficiency works may include:
- Draught-proofing of windows, doors and other openings
- Attic/loft insulation to pitched roofs
- Replacement of outdated services with high-efficiency units and updated controls
- Repair and upgrading of historic window shutters
- Installation of appropriately detailed secondary glazing
- Insulation of suspended timber floors
Works to structures which contribute to the character of an ACA
- Repair works to the exterior of a structure which contributes to the character of an ACA or repairs to its main structural elements
- This includes the reinstatement of architectural features where appropriately detailed and specified such as sash windows, shopfronts, railings or similar only where the reinstatement is essential to the design and character of the historic building, townscape or street. It should not include works of conjectural reconstruction and details of features should be based on sound physical or documentary evidence
Works such as repair and/or redecoration schemes for multiple buildings may be considered where this is an objective of the planning authority
Works to functional services for example electricity, gas, heating and drainage only where they are necessarily disturbed in the course of other funded repairs
Works to reduce the risk to a structure from collapse or partial collapse, weather damage, fire, vandalism and unauthorised access. Such works should ensure the maintenance of adequate ventilation of the structure and the protection of significant features of the building from endangerment
- In exceptional circumstances, where it is considered necessary to remove fixtures or features of interest for safe-keeping, this shall be conditional on the inclusion of acceptable proposals for their secure storage for later reinstatement within a stated timeframe
Other works
- A case may be made by the applicant and/or the LA for other works not listed above which they deem to be of exceptional importance
Professional fees
- Professional fees incurred for the portion of capital works funded to include surveys and method statements indicating methods and sequence of works, on site supervision and monitoring, reasonable travel and subsistence costs and sign-off on project
