This is the big one — the fund for a building that needs serious money spent on it, not a repair. It changed shape for 2027, and the change rules a lot of applicants out, so it is worth reading the range before you start filling anything in.
Quick facts
- Worth
- From €50,000 up to €200,000
- Only for
- Larger enhancement, refurbishment or reuse projects
- You must show
- Community, public or residential benefit
- Smaller job?
- The Built Heritage Investment Scheme instead
- Apply to
- Your local authority
The range, and who it rules out
"For 2027, The Historic Structures Fund will offer grants from €50,000 up to €200,000 only, and focus on larger enhancement, refurbishment or reuse projects involving heritage structures, where:" either "A clear community or public benefit has been demonstrated, or" "A clear residential benefit has been demonstrated (such projects must be advanced through the planning process as necessary)".
Note the word only. There is a floor here as well as a ceiling, and the Department says where the smaller work goes: "Owners of protected structures seeking funding for smaller scale works, or where there is no community or public benefit, are advised to apply to the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS)."
So the two schemes are a pair rather than alternatives. Under €50,000, or a purely private benefit, and you are in the other one.
Which buildings qualify
The obvious case is "Protected Structures: Structures in the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) of each Local Authority;".
But it reaches wider than that. A structure that is eligible for or proposed for inclusion in the RPS can qualify even if it has not been formally approved yet, provided it meets the criteria — special interest from an architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical point of view.
And there is a third route: "Structures or works within Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs), or within the amenity of a National Monument, where exceptional circumstances apply."
How the application actually works
You do not apply to the Department directly. Eligible projects include "projects proposed by local authorities on foot of applications from private applicants who are the owners or custodians of historic structures" — so a private owner applies to the council, and the council proposes the project.
"Applications are now open. Details of the scheme and guidance on how to apply will be available from each local authority." Start with your council's conservation officer.
The Department says applications involving refurbishment or reuse with a clear residential benefit are particularly welcomed — which is worth knowing if the plan is to bring an empty heritage building back into use as a home.
Common questions
How much is the Historic Structures Fund worth?
For 2027 it offers grants from €50,000 up to €200,000 only. There is a floor as well as a ceiling — smaller projects are directed to the Built Heritage Investment Scheme.
What is the difference between this and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme?
Scale and benefit. This fund is for larger enhancement, refurbishment or reuse projects where community, public or residential benefit is demonstrated. Owners seeking funding for smaller scale works, or where there is no community or public benefit, are advised to apply to BHIS.
Does my building have to be on the Record of Protected Structures?
Not necessarily. Structures in the RPS qualify, but so do structures eligible for or proposed for inclusion that meet the criteria, and works within Architectural Conservation Areas or within the amenity of a National Monument where exceptional circumstances apply.
Can a private owner apply?
Yes, but through the council. Eligible projects include those proposed by local authorities on foot of applications from private applicants who are the owners or custodians of historic structures.
Is a residential project eligible?
Yes. The Department says applications for refurbishment or reuse projects where a clear residential benefit is demonstrated are particularly welcomed, and such projects must be advanced through the planning process as necessary.