Deadline: 27-Jan-23
The Wicklow County Council invites applications from owners of historic buildings, protected structures and structures within Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs) under the following two grant schemes as operated by the Department of Housing, Local government and Heritage;
Grant Schemes
- Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2023: The Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) is an annual scheme operating on a match-fund basis. In addition to providing much needed financial support for smallscale, labour-intensive projects, it is designed to provide employment for conservation professionals and the construction sector. Each project, no matter how small, fosters and sustains specialised conservation and traditional skillsets including ironmongery, joinery, lime pointing, stained glass repair and thatching.
- Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2023: The Historic Structures Fund (HSF) is an annual scheme operating on a match-fund basis. The core aims of the HSF are to enable large-scale conservation works where the historic structure is considered especially significant and in need of urgent repair, encourage the regeneration and reuse of historic structures, support employment in the conservation and construction sectors, and build resilience in their historic structures to enable them to withstand the effects of climate change.
- The primary focus of the Historic Structures Fund will be on conservation and enhancement of historic structures and buildings for the broader benefit of communities and the public.
Funding Information
- Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS)
- The Built Heritage Investment Scheme will be administered from a total allocation for County Wicklow of €96,000. Grants of between €2,500 and €15,000 will be awarded, with applicants required to provide a minimum of 50% of total costs. Smaller grants to support the upkeep and maintenance of historic properties will also be considered, and up to €2,000 of the county allocation may be reserved for this purpose (subject to applications received).
- Historic Structures Fund (HSF)
- The Historic Structures Fund focuses on caring for and restoring historic structures and buildings for the benefit of communities and the public.
- There are three streams of funding:
- Stream 1 €15,000 – €50,000 (max. 80% funding) with a sub stream for Historic Shopfronts,
- Stream 2 €50,000 – €200,000 (50% of eligible costs) In exceptional circumstances a higher percentage may be sought, subject to a maximum of 80%
- Vernacular Structures – €5,000 – €10,000 (max. 80% funding)
Eligibility Criteria
- Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS)
- The Built Heritage Investment Scheme is designed to assist with the repair and conservation of structures that are protected under the Planning and Development Acts. In certain cases, the scheme also supports the conservation of structures within Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs) where, in the opinion of the local authority, a need for works to enhance the character and appearance of an ACA has been demonstrated. The primary purpose of the scheme is to support privately owned properties in need of repair and conservation.
- Projects that incorporate a traditional skills training element may also be supported by this fund. Any such projects must be agreed in advance by the Department and the relevant local authority
- Historic Structures Fund (HSF)
- The Historic Structures Fund provides capital funding for works to qualifying structures which include the following:
- Protected Structures: Structures in the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) of each Local Authority;
- Structures proposed for inclusion in the RPS but not yet formally approved for inclusion.
- Structures or works within Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs), or within the amenity of a National Monument, where exceptional circumstances apply;
- Owners of vernacular structures that are not listed in a Record of Protected Structures;
- Owners of vernacular structures within an Architectural Conservation Area, but not otherwise subject to statutory protection.
- The Historic Structures Fund provides capital funding for works to qualifying structures which include the following:
For more information, visit Wicklow County Council.
