Conservation Grant funding
Find out more about conservation grant funding schemes below.
The list of successful applicants under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2022 has been announced by Malcom Noonan TD, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Through grants of up to €15,000, this scheme assists owners of buildings that are either on the Record of Protected Structures or within Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs) to carry out small-scale conservation projects to their properties. The funding can be used to undertake repair work, contributing to the upkeep and maintenance of heritage structures, including roof, wall and joinery repair, draught-proofing windows, lime rendering and the repair of stained-glass windows. Of the 512 projects announced across the country, 56 projects in Dublin City have been awarded funding totalling €475,000.
Full details of the grant announcement can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/136b2-minister-noonan-announces-ove…. A list of the successful projects in Dublin can be found below.
An announcement is expected shortly on the successful applicants under the Historic Structures Fund 2022.
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.