Built Heritage Investment Scheme

Local authorities may provide financial support for the repair and conservation of protected structures and buildings in an architectural conservation area. A protected structure is one with architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest.

The Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2025 is now open for applications. 

Following a Departmental review of the BHIS and HSF (Historic Structures Fund), alterations to BHIS 2025 have been implemented, with the aim of notifying successful applicants earlier in the year in order to maximise the time they have to complete the works before recoupment commences. 

Applicants are advised to engage with the Carlow Heritage Officer to discuss the proposed project in advance of submitting their application.

Applicants are advised to read the Circular (pdf, 988.05 KB) and the Applicants Guidance Booklet (pdf, 1.27 MB) as they contain all the necessary information about the scheme. Applicants should familiarise themselves with the Qualifying and Non-Qualifying Works (pdf, 670 KB) relating to the grant applications.

A useful Guidance Form A (pdf, 705.25 KB) is available to download and should be read before completing your application Form A. All applications must be accompanied by a suitable Method Statement and costings.

Applications (to be completed on Form A) should be submitted to esullivan@carlowcoco.ie before 5:30pm on 27 September 2024 or by post to Dr. Eoin Sullivan, Heritage Office, Carlow County Library, Tullow Street, Carlow R93 K126 to arrive before the stated deadline. 

Queries about the scheme and proposed projects – contact Eoin Sullivan (Carlow Heritage Officer) by email - esullivan@carlwococo.ie

The Announcement of Approvals will take place on 17 January 2025 and successful applicants will be informed by postal grant offer from Carlow County Council before the end of January 2025.

In 2025:                                                                                                                                               

  • Grants under the 2025 BHIS may now be awarded at a level of up to €50,000
  • Matched funding requirements for 2025 BHIS have been increased to a maximum of 80% grant support per project.
  • Historic Shopfronts, in the manner previously funded under HSF Stream 1, have been included as qualifying works under the revised BHIS, with a max. grant of €50,000.
  • Vernacular Buildings, in the manner previously funded under HSF Stream 1, have been included as qualifying works under the revised BHIS, with a max. grant of €30,000.

The HSF (Historic Structures Fund) will be advertised later this year, on the traditional timeframe. However, this will be altered so it reflects projects that would previously have been eligible for Stream 2 funding (i.e. between €50,000 and €200,000).