The Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2027

The Built Heritage Investment Scheme provides support of between €2,500 and €50,000 to assist with the repair and conservation of historic buildings and structures. In doing so it helps owners of buildings with statutory protection to meet their obligations under the Planning and Development Acts, and supports the employment of conservation professionals and craftspeople in the repair of the historic built environment.

Please see BHIS 2027 Application Form A, BHIS 2027 Circular Document with information on qualifying and non-qualifying works and also a link to the Guidance Booklet for Applicants below;

BHIS Application Form A

BHIS Circular 2027

BHIS 2027 Guidance Booklet for Applicants 

The closing date for submission of applications to the Conservation Office, Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny is 5pm Friday 30th October 2026.

BHIS Historic Thatched Buildings Stream 2027

The purpose of the scheme is to protect the heritage value of historic thatched roof buildings across Ireland, including dwellings and other structures.  All applications are assessed under the Significance of the Structure, Efficacy of Works, Quality of the Works and the Contribution to Public Amenity.

Please see BHIS 2027 Historic Thatch Application Form A and BHIS Historic Thatch 2027 Circular Document below;

BHIS Historic Thatch Application Form A

BHIS Historic Thatch Circular 2027

The closing date for submission of applications to Conservation Office, Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny is 5pm Friday 30th October 2026.

Historic Structures Fund 2027

The primary focus of the Historic Structures Fund is to assist the conservation and enhancement of historic structures and buildings for the broader benefit of communities and the public.

While the primary responsibility to care for and maintain a protected structure rests with the owner, the Historic Structures Fund will invest essential capital in our valuable built heritage and help the owners and custodians of historic structures to safeguard them into the future for the benefit of communities and the public.

The Department encourages project promoters to incorporate a traditional skills training element in the project.

For 2027, the Historic Structures Fund will offer grants from €50,000 up to €200,000, and will focus on larger enhancement, refurbishment or reuse projects involving heritage structures, where:

a.  A clear community or public benefit has been demonstrated, or

b. A clear residential benefit has been demonstrated (such projects must be advanced through the planning process as necessary)

Please see HSF Application Form, Circular Document & Guidance Booklet below;

HSF 2027 Application Form A

HSF 2027 Circular Document

HSF 2027 Guidance Notes for HSF Method Statement

HSF 2027 Guidance Booklet for Applicants

The closing date for submission of HSF applications to Conservation Office, Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny is 5pm Friday 27th November 2026.

Note:  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) as above.