Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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My Department provides financial support for the protection of eligible heritage buildings, historic towns, and archaeological sites through a variety of schemes.

The Historic Structures Fund and Built Heritage Investment Scheme are funded by my Department and administered mainly by the Local Authorities. These schemes support conservation works to Protected Structures and other historic buildings. Last month my Department announced that 676 heritage projects would receive funding under these schemes in 2024.

The Historic Towns Initiative (HTI) is funded by my Department and administered by the Heritage Council. It funds conservation works and plans for heritage buildings and public realm in historic towns. This year eight towns have been granted funding under the HTI programme.

My Department also runs the Community Monuments Fund (CMF) which assists in the conservation and promotion of monuments and historic sites. A total of 225 applications for funding for the CMF were received in 2024, and an announcement on the successful projects will be made in the coming days.

It should be noted that these are the government schemes dedicated to conservation projects. Other schemes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant etc. will fund some restoration work through their wider programme of grants.