Funding to Protect Wicklow's Built Heritage

All Saints Church, Carnew
The grants aim to support employment by experienced tradespeople and projessionals
Statue conservators at Russborough house

Wicklow County Council is pleased to invite applications from owners of protected structures and buildings in Architectural Conservation Areas for grant aid under the following two schemes: the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2019 and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2019. Funding under both schemes is provided by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and is administered by Wicklow County Council.  Application forms and further information about each of the schemes is available here.

 Applications may be made by post to: Planning Section, Wicklow County Council, County Buildings, Wicklow Town, or e mail to  planadmin@wicklowcoco.ie.

The deadline for receipt of applications is 25th January 2019 for the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and is 31st January 2019 for the Historic Structures Fund (HSF).

 Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS):

Project supports under the BHIS will range from a minimum of €2500 to a maximum of €15,000 and will require a 50% match funding allocation from private funds. Projects funded under this scheme are typically small scale, labour intensive projects to repair and conserve structures protected under the Planning and Development Act (as amended)  and in certain cases for the conservation of  structures  within Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs) and to support the employment of skilled and experienced conservation professionals, craft workers and trades people. There is €60,000 available for county Wicklow under the BHIS.

 Historic Structures Fund (HSF):

The primary focus of the HSF is on caring for and restoring historic structures and buildings for the benefit of communities and the public. Funding is available under two streams: Stream 1 will offer 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 will offer 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.

There is a total National allocation of €1.8m under the HSF and projects will be selected on a competitive basis. The Minister may designate part of the Fund for projects in partnership with State-funded organisations such as the Office of Public Works, the Irish Heritage Trust, Waterways Ireland, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Landmark Trust and others, to care for historic structures and buildings in public ownership and improve recreational infrastructure and public access to these heritage assets.

There have been changes made to both schemes in 2019 so please read all the documentation carefully. Multiple applications for the same structure under the BHIS and the HSF will not be considered. The Record of Protected Structures for Wicklow may be viewed here . Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs) in Wicklow are set out in the County Development Plan, here.   All queries to Planning Office on T: 040420148

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