Deadline: 2-Feb-23
The Heritage Council is pleased to announce the applications for Historic Towns Initiative (HTI) 2023 to support historic towns engaged in a programme of heritage-led regeneration.
In 2023 particularly interested in projects that address residential vacancy in town centres, that propose the re-use of historic structures and that can act as a demonstrator for future projects. They will continue with two funding Streams for the HTI 2023.
Under Stream 1 this year they are seeking proposals for capital works to repair and enhance the heritage of the town through heritage-led regeneration projects designed and implemented by local authorities, projects that encourage private owners and/or occupiers to invest in appropriate conservation-led works and repairs, projects that address dereliction and residential vacancy, the conservation of landmark buildings, streetscape conservation projects, and conservation-led public realm works which encourage investment from other sources.
Under Stream 2 this year, they will support applications to deliver a heritage-led regeneration plan which will examine the existing heritage of a town and determine what conservation focused interventions are required.
Funding Information
- A total fund of €2 million (capital funding) is available to local authorities under the HTI 2023. A 20% minimum matching contribution will be required.
What works are eligible?
- Capital works to repair and enhance the heritage of the town in line with a programme assessed by the HTI National Steering Group and approved by the Heritage Council.
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This may include:
- Heritage-led regeneration projects meeting the criteria set out above which are designed and implemented by local authorities
- Projects that encourage private owners and/or occupiers to invest in appropriate conservation-led works and repairs and to bring vacant floor area in historic buildings back into use
- Projects that address dereliction and vacancy, the conservation of landmark buildings, improved maintenance and general improvements to streetscapes and conservation-led public realm works which encourage investment from other sources
- Projects that would build resilience in the historic built environment of the town to enable it to withstand the effects of climate change
- All grant-aided work under the HTI must respect the character and special interest of individual buildings and the heritage of the town in general.
- Works must be in accordance with best practice principles contained within the Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2011) and relevant volumes in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s Advice Series.
- All statutory requirements for the protection of heritage must be met – including natural, archaeological and architectural heritage.
- Where grant funding is sought for conservation and re-use of vacant buildings, information shall be provided on a sustainable proposed future use.
What towns are eligible?
- Almost all Irish towns are historic in origin. A town seeking to benefit from the HTI should possess significant cultural and heritage assets and have a distinctive sense of place.
- Historic towns include those of medieval and pre-medieval foundation, plantation towns, planned estate towns and those established around local industries.
- Urban centres designated as Special Regeneration Areas under the Living City Initiative are not eligible to apply.
For more information, visit HTI.