merrion street

Schemes will leverage €11m in private investment and support jobs in conservation and construction sectors

The Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys TD, has today (Wednesday) announced that 569 heritage projects nationwide will share in a €4.8 million investment package as part of the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and Structures at Risk Fund for 2017. Providing funding under these schemes is a commitment in Realising Our Rural Potential: the Action Plan for Rural Development.

€3.5 million is being made available under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2017 and €1.3 million is being made available under the Structures at Risk Fund 2017 to allow for the conservation and repair of protected structures across the country. It is expected the schemes will leverage more than €11 million in private funds and will generate significant employment in the conservation and construction industries.

Speaking today Minister Humphreys said:
“This investment will support the conservation of our heritage buildings and jobs in the conservation sector right across the country. The €4.8 million investment will leverage a further €11 million in private sector funds and will stimulate labour-intensive projects nationwide.

“Ireland's heritage buildings and protected structures are a vital part of the infrastructure of our villages, towns, and cities. The Action Plan for Rural Development recognises the importance of investing in built heritage as a tool for rural regeneration and the economic recovery is allowing me to increase the level of funding available. Investing in our built heritage is not just good for the individual properties concerned, but can also provide a real boost to job creation in the construction, conservation and tourism sectors.

“A wide range of properties will from funding this year in every county nationwide, including residential homes, townhouses, railway stations, churches, country houses and other listed buildings. I would like to acknowledge the contribution of the Local Authorities in embracing these schemes which will have a positive impact on protected structures. I am also delighted by the response of private owners and their willingness to release substantial private matching funds for the benefit of our built heritage.”

Note to Editors:
Heritage projects in every local authority area and every region across the country are set to benefit under these schemes. Full details of both schemes will be made available shortly.

Built Heritage Investment Scheme
Funding of €3.5 million is being provided for 502 heritage projects under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme for 2017. The scheme provides funding for protected buildings in private and public ownership. The funding being provided ranges from €2,500 to €10,000 per project.

Of the 500 projects considered, many were for places of worship and residential use. A number of applications were for the re-thatching of buildings of special interest. Local authorities assess applications from members of the public for the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, and submit their recommended projects for approval by the Minister.

Structures at Risk Fund
Funding of €1.324 million is being provided to 67 heritage projects under the Structures at Risk Fund (SRF) for 2017. The scheme provides funding for protected buildings in private and public ownership.

This year, historic houses were once again eligible to apply for funding under the scheme in accordance with the commitment in the Action Plan for the Sustainable Future of the Irish Historic House, which set out a roadmap of actions, including the broadening of funding sources for this specific area of Ireland’s architectural heritage.

Typical works to be funded under the scheme include roof repairs, structural consolidation and measures to ensure weather tightness.

More information available here.