Donegal public urged to apply for historic buildings grants

Householders in Donegal are being reminded that applications are now being accepted for three key built heritage schemes. Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, today opened the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS), Historic Structures Fund (HSF) and Historic Thatch Buildings (HTB) for 2027. These schemes, administered locally by Donegal County Council, represent one of the State’s main means of supporting owners of historic buildings and protected structures to repair and conserve their buildings for future generations. As well as conserving and enhancing historic buildings and streetscapes, the schemes also help to preserve and develop traditional building skills. A number of Donegal properties availed of the three grants last year, including McBride’s Cottage on Gola Island (main pic). The intention of the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2027 is to assist with the repair and conservation of historic buildings and structures within Conservation Areas that are protected under the Planning and Development Acts. This scheme aims to support a significant number of projects across the country as well as the employment of skilled and experienced conservation professionals, craftspeople and tradespersons in the repair of the historic built environment. Grants of between €2,500 and €50,000 are available. The scheme also incorporates streams for vernacular buildings. The Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2027 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 clear community or public benefit has been demonstrated, or where there would be a residential benefit. The purpose of the Historic Thatch Buildings (HTB) 2027 is to protect the heritage value of historic thatched roof buildings across Ireland. All historic thatched structures in County Donegal are eligible under this scheme, and it does not need to be on the Record of Protected Structures. This year’s grant scheme will provide support for large-scale re-thatching projects up to €20,000. The funding can provide for up to 80% of the total capital costs of works. The closing date for receipt of applications for the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and Historic Thatch Buildings (HTB) is 4pm on Friday 30th October, 2026. The Historic Structures Fund (HSF) closes on Friday 20th November, 2026. Circulars, information and application forms for all three funding schemes are available on-line from the Donegal County Council website at: https://www.donegalcoco.ie/en/services/planning/architectural-conservation/grant-schemes Applications for all three built heritage schemes should be made directly by email to architecturalconservation@donegalcoco.ie or by post to Architectural Conservation Office, Donegal County Council, Planning Services, County House, The Diamond, Lifford, F93 Y622.