Conservation Grant funding
Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2021 / Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2021
Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, has announced the continued implementation of the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and Historic Structures Fund (HSF) in 2021. The Conservation Section of Dublin City Council will administer these schemes for buildings that are either on the Record of Protected Structures or within Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs) within the Dublin City Council Area only.
Only one application will be considered per historic structure.
Applicants cannot avail of funding under both the Historic Structures Fund and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme in the same year.
Built heritage Investment Scheme
Under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme the minimum level of funding awarded will be €2,500 up to a maximum of €15,000. This scheme supports small-scale conservation projects and the employment of skilled and experienced conservation professionals, craftspeople and tradespersons in the repair of the historic built environment.
Funding for works of routine maintenance and minor repairs are available under the BHIS scheme. The maximum award for such projects will be €2,500.
The Guidance Circular on the Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2021 and the Application Form are available to download.
Historic Structures Fund
The Historic Structures Fund has four Streams in 2021:
Stream 1 offers grants from €15,000 up to €50,000 and is aimed at essential repairs and smaller capital works for the refurbishment and conservation of heritage structures.
Stream 2 offers a small number of grants from €50,000 up to €200,000 for larger enhancement, refurbishment or reuse projects involving heritage structures, where a clear community or public benefit has been demonstrated.
Pilot Stream for Vernacular Structures offers support for conservation repairs and small capital works to vernacular structures that are not listed in local authority Records of Protected Structures or otherwise legally protected. Grants will be between €5,000 and €10,000 for eligible projects.
Pilot Stream for Historic Shopfronts offers grants from €15,000 up to €50,000 for essential repairs and small capital works for the refurbishment and conservation of historic shop facades, windows, signage and other associated details.
The Guidance Circular on the Historic Structures Fund 2021 and the Application Form are available to download.
Applications for both schemes should be made directly by post or email to the Conservation Section of Dublin City Council. The deadline for submission of completed applications is 4pm on Monday 25th January 2021.
Conservation Section,
Planning & Property Development Department
Dublin City Council
Block 3, Floor 3, Civic Offices, Dublin 8
Email: [email protected]
Relief for Expenditure on Approved Buildings and Gardens in the State
Tax relief is available for the owner of an approved heritage building. This is encompassed under Section 482 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997. The expenditure can be incurred for the repair, maintenance or restoration of approved buildings. Approval for buildings is sought from the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht's Heritage Service and the tax relief is administered by the Revenue Commissioners.
Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht website
Home Renovation Incentive (HRI) Scheme
The Home Renovation Incentive (HRI) scheme provides for tax relief for homeowners by way of an income tax credit at 13.5% of qualifying expenditure on repair, renovation or improvement works carried out on the homeowner's main home by qualifying Contractors. The amount of the HRI tax credit depends on the amount spent on qualifying works. Tax relief can be claimed on qualifying expenditure over €4,405 (before VAT at 13.5%). While there is no upper limit on expenditure on qualifying works, the tax credit will only be given in relation to a maximum of €30,000 (before VAT at 13.5%).
Please refer to the Irish Revenue website for more information and qualifying periods.
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)
SEAI operates a number of programmes that provide financial grants for energy efficiency improvements for building owners. The ‘Better Energy Home Scheme’ includes grants towards insulation, high efficiency boilers and controls, BER certificates and renewable technologies. They also operate the ‘Warmer Homes Scheme’ for people in receipt of fuel allowance benefit; towards attic insulation, draught proofing, lagging jackets, energy efficient lighting, cavity wall insulation and energy advice.
Please note that not all of these works would be considered exempt in a protected structure or in an architectural conservation area. Contact the Conservation Section for advice.