Built Heritage Funding Schemes 2023: A Summary

Christ Church, Delgany (built 1789)

Wicklow County Council has recently announced upcoming grant schemes for 2023 that may be of interest to many in county Wicklow. The Historic Structure Fund (HSF) & the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) provide funding to support architectural heritage while the Community Monument Fund (CMF) provides grants to support archaeological heritage.

Making our Built Heritage More Climate Resilient

The impacts of climate change on our monuments and buildings are increasingly evident. Increased maintenance and repair are key to building resilience in built heritage to enable it to withstand the effects of a changing environment. These built heritage grant schemes are co-ordinated by Built Heritage Section (HSF/BHIS) and National Monuments Service (CMF) of the Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Goverments as part of their Climate Action objectives. The following article gives a brief summary of each scheme and includes links to application forms and further information. The closing date for applications under all schemes is 4.00pm 27th January 2023.

Architectural or Archaeological?

The HSF & BHIS grant schemes support Architectural Heritage . Eligible projects include specified works to historic buildings, protected structures and structures within Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs). To view the Wicklow Record of Protected Structures (RPS) see HERE , to view a list of ACAs in County Wicklow see HERE .

The CMF supports Archaeological Heritage. Eligible projects include recorded monuments identified on the Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) by National Monuments Service and those included on Record of Monuments & Places (RMP) under the National Monuments Act 1930. To view archaeological monuments near you see www.archaeology.ie / Historic Environment Viewer , or direct link HERE

Below is a synopsis of the different schemes available and links for further information.

Architectural: HSF & BHIS

Wicklow County Council invites applications from owners of historic buildings, protected structures and structures within Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs) under the following two grant schemes as operated by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage;

Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2023, and the
Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2023.

The Built Heritage Investment Scheme will be administered from a total allocation for County Wicklow of €96,000. Grants of between €2,500 and €15,000 will be awarded, with applicants required to provide a minimum of 50% of total costs. Smaller grants to support the upkeep and maintenance of historic properties will also be considered, and up to €2,000 of the county allocation may be reserved for this purpose (subject to applications received).

The Historic Structures Fund focuses on caring for and restoring historic structures and buildings for the benefit of communities and the public.

There are three streams of funding:

Stream 1€15,000 – €50,000 (max. 80% funding) with a sub stream for Historic Shopfronts,
Stream 2 €50,000 – €200,000 (50% of eligible costs) In exceptional circumstances a higher percentage may be sought, subject to a maximum of 80%
Vernacular Structures – €5,000 – €10,000 (max. 80% funding)

Please note applicants cannot avail of funding under both the Historic Structures Fund and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme in the same year. Full details including guidelines and application forms are available on www.wicklow.ie (under latest news) HERE or by request from Wicklow County Council Planning Office Tel: 0404 20100, e-mail plandev@wicklowcoco.ie All completed applications (Form A) should to be clearly marked BHIS/HSF and returned by e mail to plandev@wicklowcoco.ie or by post to: Planning Section, Wicklow County Council, County Buildings, Wicklow Town.

Archaeology: Community Monument Fund (CMF)

The Community Monument Fund (CMF) is investing essential capital in our archaeological heritage to help owners and custodians of archaeological monuments safeguard them into the future for the benefit of communities and the public. The core aims of this fund are the conservation, maintenance, protection and promotion of local monuments and archaeological sites. The Department encourages projects to incorporate a traditional skills training element. Local authorities, private owners, community groups and custodians of monuments are eligible to apply under the following 3 streams;

Stream 1 will offer grants up to €85,000 aimed at essential repairs and capital works for the conservation and repair of archaeological monuments.
Stream 2 will offer grants of up to €30,000 for development of Conservation Management Plans/Reports that are aimed at identifying measures for conservation of archaeological monuments and improving public access.
Stream 3 will offer grants of up to €30,000 for enhancement of access infrastructure and interpretation (including virtual/online) at archaeological monuments

Application forms and further details are available at www.wicklow.ie / latest news, or at the following direct link HERE. Applicants should read the CMF guidance circular carefully and ensure that method statements and relevant consents are included with the application.

Applications should be returned by e mail to wicklowheritage@wicklowcoco.ie or by post, clearly marked ‘Community Monument Fund Application’ c/o Heritage Office, Wicklow County Council, County Buildings, Wicklow Town by no later than 4 pm on January 27^th 2023. Hard copy application forms are available by request to above e mail or by Tel: 0404 20100.

Queries to Deirdre Burns, Heritage Officer, Wicklow County Council via dburns@wicklowcoco.ie