• €7.4 million in funding for the 2025 Community Monuments Fund
• €3.2m in funding for the 2025 Historic Structures Fund
• €500,000 to support historic thatched buildings under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme
• Including €6m previously allocated, investment now totals over €17m for 2025
• Approximately 950 projects will receive supports under the schemes
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, has today, Tuesday 29 October, announced a combined €11.1m in funding to be allocated to grant schemes that will support owners and custodians of archaeological and built heritage.
This is comprised of a €7.4 million allocation to the 2025 Community Monuments Fund , an allocation of €3.2m to the 2025 Historic Structures Fund , and an allocation of €500,000 to support historic thatched buildings under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme. The €11.1m announced today is in addition to the €6m already allocated to the main stream of the Built Heritage Investment Scheme , bringing the total investment to €17.1m in 2025.
The schemes will support approximately 950 projects in their work to conserve our archaeological heritage, develop traditional building skills, maintain and enhance the character of our historic buildings and streetscapes, and help bring vacant and derelict buildings back into use. The funding will also help to build resilience against the impacts of extreme weather.
Speaking today, Minister Noonan said:
“I am thrilled to announce €11.1m in funding for built and archaeological heritage, in addition to €6m already allocated. These funds are essential in the conservation and protection of our monuments and historic buildings and streetscapes, which are under threat from external factors such as climate change.
“The funds also support Ireland’s heritage sector by providing thousands of days of work for skilled heritage professionals. It’s fantastic to see how these funds have grown over the last number of years and I’m particularly pleased to see continued ring-fenced support for historic thatched buildings. We have a duty towards our heritage and to those who champion it and these investments will help to ensure that it continues to enrich all of our lives.”
Also commenting on today’s launch, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, said:
“We are very pleased to announce these heritage funds for 2025. I have seen first-hand how these funds can make a very real difference to the character and amenity of our cities, towns, and countryside, and support the re-use of our historic building stock. I have met local authority staff, community groups and private owners across the island who care for and champion their local heritage and I’m gladdened that they and their communities will benefit from the funds.”
Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government and Planning, Alan Dillon TD, said:
“It is tremendous to see the cooperation of our National Monuments Service and National Built Heritage Service with the local authorities in administering these schemes. They provide a very effective means of helping local authorities meet their responsibilities in caring for our rich built and archaeological heritage. I would like to commend all of those involved in rolling out and overseeing these schemes.”
Calls for the three grant schemes will be opened by mid-November, including details of eligibility, application deadlines and activity supported.
