Build Heritage Investment and BHIS Historic Thatched Builiding Scheme 2027 (Ireland)

The Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2027 provides funding support for the repair, conservation, and protection of historic buildings and protected structures across Ireland. The scheme offers grants ranging from €2,500 to €50,000 for eligible conservation works, including structural repairs, roof restoration, historic shopfront conservation, and appropriate energy-efficiency improvements.

Overview of the Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2027

The Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2027 supports owners and occupiers of historic buildings in carrying out essential repair and conservation works.

The scheme focuses on protecting Ireland’s architectural heritage by helping maintain:

Protected structures.
Historic buildings.
Vernacular buildings.
Historic shopfronts.
Buildings located in Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs).

The programme also includes support through the Historic Thatched Buildings Grant stream, which specifically assists with the conservation of historic thatched structures.

Why the Built Heritage Investment Scheme Matters

Historic buildings represent Ireland’s cultural identity, architectural traditions, and local history. Many protected structures require specialist repair and maintenance to prevent deterioration.

The scheme helps:

Preserve important historic buildings.
Prevent the loss of architectural heritage.
Support conservation-led repair approaches.
Maintain the character of Architectural Conservation Areas.
Encourage sustainable improvements to historic properties.

By supporting appropriate conservation methods, the programme helps ensure historic structures remain part of Ireland’s communities for future generations.

Funding Amount Available

Successful applicants may receive:

Minimum grant amount: €2,500.
Maximum grant amount: €50,000.

Funding decisions are made by the relevant Local Authority based on:

Available funding allocation.
Urgency of conservation needs.
Condition of the structure.
Importance of the proposed works.

Most successful projects receive grants below €30,000.

The scheme operates alongside the Historic Structures Fund, which provides support for larger and more complex conservation projects.

Supported Conservation Works

The Built Heritage Investment Scheme supports a wide range of repair and conservation activities.

Eligible works may include:

Structural Repairs and Stabilisation

Funding can support:

Emergency structural repairs.
Stabilisation works for buildings at risk.
Measures preventing further deterioration.

Roof and Water Management Repairs

Supported works include:

Roof repairs.
Repair or replacement of historic roofing elements.
Repairs to rainwater goods such as:
- Gutters.
- Downpipes.
- Drainage features.

External Wall Conservation

Eligible works include:

Repairing historic external walls.
Traditional pointing.
Conservation of render finishes.
Protection of historic building materials.

Historic Joinery and Fixtures

Funding may support conservation of:

Windows.
Doors.
External joinery.
Historic fixtures and architectural details.

Historic Shopfront Conservation

The scheme supports:

Restoration of historic shopfronts.
Conservation of traditional commercial building features.

Energy Efficiency Improvements

Appropriate energy-efficiency measures may be supported where they:

Respect the historic character of the building.
Follow suitable conservation principles.
Improve building performance without damaging heritage value.

Architectural Conservation Area Improvements

Projects may receive support where works contribute to:

Maintaining ACA character.
Enhancing historic streetscapes.
Protecting local architectural identity.

Who Is Eligible?

The scheme is open to owners and occupiers of qualifying historic structures.

Eligible buildings include:

Protected Structures

Buildings listed on the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) maintained by the relevant Local Authority.

Proposed Protected Structures

Buildings that the Local Authority intends to add to the Record of Protected Structures.

Buildings in Architectural Conservation Areas

Structures located within designated Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs).

Vernacular Buildings

Traditional buildings that demonstrate local architectural character and historic value.

Historic Shopfronts

Traditional commercial shopfronts with heritage significance.

Eligible Applicants

Applicants may include:

Owners of qualifying historic buildings.
Occupiers responsible for conservation works.
Individuals or organisations responsible for eligible structures.

Applicants must demonstrate that proposed works meet heritage conservation requirements.

Historic Thatched Buildings Grant Stream

The Historic Thatched Buildings Grant stream supports the conservation of traditional thatched structures.

It aims to:

Protect historic thatched buildings.
Maintain traditional construction methods.
Preserve important examples of Ireland’s rural architectural heritage.

Owners of eligible thatched structures may apply through the relevant Local Authority process.

How to Apply

Applicants must apply through their relevant Local Authority.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Check that the building qualifies as one of the following:

Protected structure.
Proposed protected structure.
ACA building.
Vernacular building.
Historic shopfront.

Step 2: Prepare Conservation Details

Applicants should provide information about:

The condition of the building.
Proposed repair works.
Conservation approach.
Estimated costs.

Step 3: Complete Application Form

Applications must be submitted using:

Form A provided through the relevant Local Authority.

Step 4: Submit Before Deadline

The application deadline is:

30 October 2026

Applications submitted after the deadline may not be considered.

Step 5: Await Local Authority Assessment

Local Authorities assess applications based on:

Conservation importance.
Urgency of works.
Available funding.
Project suitability.

Successful projects are expected to be announced in:

Early January 2027

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Applying for buildings that do not meet eligibility requirements.
Proposing repairs that are not conservation appropriate.
Submitting incomplete application forms.
Failing to provide accurate project cost estimates.
Starting works before approval where approval is required.
Ignoring traditional materials and conservation standards.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their chances by:

Clearly explaining the heritage value of the building.
Providing detailed descriptions of proposed works.
Demonstrating urgency where deterioration exists.
Using qualified conservation professionals where appropriate.
Showing how the project protects long-term heritage value.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2027?

The Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2027 is an Irish heritage grant programme that supports repair and conservation works for protected and historic buildings.

How much funding can applicants receive?

Eligible projects can receive between €2,500 and €50,000. Most grants awarded are below €30,000.

Who can apply for the scheme?

Owners and occupiers of protected structures, proposed protected structures, ACA buildings, vernacular buildings, and historic shopfronts can apply.

What types of repair works are funded?

The scheme supports structural repairs, roof repairs, rainwater goods, external wall repairs, historic joinery, shopfront conservation, energy-efficiency improvements, and ACA enhancement works.

What is the deadline for applications?

Applications must be submitted to the relevant Local Authority by 30 October 2026.

Are new buildings eligible for funding?

No. The scheme is designed for historic and heritage-related structures that meet specific eligibility categories.

Does the scheme support thatched buildings?

Yes. The Historic Thatched Buildings Grant stream supports eligible historic thatched structures requiring conservation work.

Conclusion

The Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2027 provides essential support for protecting Ireland’s historic buildings and architectural heritage. Through grants for conservation, repair, and sustainable improvements, the programme helps owners and communities preserve valuable structures while maintaining Ireland’s cultural identity for future generations.