Grant scheme for thatched buildings to open in November
A grant scheme worth €500,000 to help preserve historic thatched buildings across the country is due to open in the middle of next month.
It is part of a combined funding package worth €11.1 million being announced today (Tuesday, October 29) for grant schemes to support the owners and custodians of archaeological and built heritage.
This includes a €7.4 million allocation to the 2025 Community Monuments Fund, €3.2 million to the 2025 Historic Structures Fund, and €500,000 to support historic thatched buildings under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme.
The €11.1 million being announced today is in addition to the €6 million already allocated to the main stream of the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, bringing the total investment to €17.1 million in 2025.
Announcing the funding, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan said that around 950 projects will receive supports under the schemes.
"These funds are essential in the conservation and protection of our monuments and historic buildings and streetscapes, which are under threat from external factors such as climate change.
“The funds also support Ireland’s heritage sector by providing thousands of days of work for skilled heritage professionals.
"It’s fantastic to see how these funds have grown over the last number of years and I’m particularly pleased to see continued ring-fenced support for historic thatched buildings.
"We have a duty towards our heritage and to those who champion it and these investments will help to ensure that it continues to enrich all of our lives," he said.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien added that these funds can make a very real difference to the character and amenity of our cities, towns, and countryside, and support the re-use of historic building stock.
"I have met local authority staff, community groups and private owners across the island who care for and champion their local heritage and I’m gladdened that they and their communities will benefit from the funds," he said.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage said that calls for the three grant schemes will be opened by mid-November, including details of eligibility, application deadlines and activity supported.
