Historic Structures Fund Grant (HSF)

Who can apply?

The fund is open to owners and custodians of:

• Structures on the Record of Protected Structures or proposed for inclusion
• Structures within Architectural Conservation Areas (ACA)
• Structures within the amenity of a National Monument

How much is available?

HSF is a match-funding scheme, which means the applicant must be able to supply between 20% - 50% of the funding to cover the costs of the project. There are three streams of funding available under HSF.

Stream 1

Grants of between €15,000 - €50,000 for essential repairs and smaller capital works for the refurbishment and conservation of heritage structures. A sub-stream of Stream 1 provides funding for historic shopfronts and Irish-language shopfronts.

Stream 2

Grants of between €50,000 to €200,000 for larger enhancement, refurbishment or reuse projects involving heritage structures. The application must demonstrate a clear community, public or residential benefit to the works being carried out. Note that these projects may require planning permission. 

Stream 3 – Vernacular Stream

A vernacular structure is one that is built using traditional methods and local materials, and that had no formal plan in its construction. This stream offers grants of €5,000 to €10,000 for conservation repairs and capital works to vernacular structures that have not been included on the local authority’s Record of Protected Structures and are not legally protected in any other way.

How are applications assessed?

Applications are assessed on the following criteria:

• The significance of the structure
• The effectiveness of the works in achieving the aims of the fund
• The quality of the methodology and technical merit of the works proposed
• The contribution of the proposed works to keeping the structure in use or bringing it back into use
• The broader public or community benefit of the project (for projects funded under Stream 2 only)

How do I apply?

Funding is allocated to the Historic Structures Fund annually so it is open for applications during a particular period each year. To find out more about applying to the scheme, you can contact your local authority.