Wicklow County Council wishes to invite applications under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2025, as operated by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) seeks to encourage the leveraging of private capital to invest in several small-scale, labor-intensive projects to repair and conserve Protected Structures, those within Architectural Conservation Areas and other eligible buildings.
Please note there has been a number of significant changes to the BHIS from previous schemes.
Grants between €2,500 and €50,000 may be awarded. Historic Shopfronts and Vernacular Structures are now included under BHIS. Grants between €2,500 and €50,000 may be awarded to historic shopfronts and vernacular structures. Grants between €2,500 and €30,000 are available for nonprotected vernacular structures. Applicants are required to provide a minimum of 20% of total costs.
Smaller grants of less than €2,000 to support the upkeep and maintenance of historic properties will also be considered. A suitable method statement, drawn up by a competent conservation professional, must accompany all applications received under BHIS 2025. Applications must also include photographs of the proposed works.
Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr. Paul O’Brien stated, “This funding allocation is welcome news for the owners of historic buildings all over the county and will greatly support them in their efforts to look after this important aspect of our Wicklow heritage.”
Wicklow County Council Chief Executive, Emer O'Gorman commented, “Wicklow County Council are pleased to co-ordinate this important funding stream to protect the historic buildings, traditional houses and shopfronts, that contribute so much to the character and attractiveness of our towns, villages and countryside in County Wicklow.”
Full details of all requirements are contained in the BHIS Guidance Booklet. Application forms and other information is available to download (in English and Irish) below.
All completed applications (Form A) should be clearly marked ‘Built Heritage Investment Scheme’ and returned by email to plandev@wicklowcoco.ie or by post to the Planning Section, Wicklow County Council, County Buildings, Wicklow Town.
Please note, that late applications will not be accepted.
Deadline 4pm, Friday 27th of September 2024.
Please note late applications will not be accepted.