Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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95. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will report on the grant support available for the provision of expert conservation advice to private owners of vacant traditional houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12725/25]

Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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98. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will report on the built heritage investment scheme for 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12724/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 98 together.

The National Built Heritage Service (NBHS) oversees a number of grant schemes to assist owners of historic buildings. The purpose of these schemes is to support the repair, maintenance, conservation, and re-use of the traditional buildings which contribute so much to the character and amenity of our villages, towns, cities, and rural landscapes.

Last week I opened the application window for grant support for the provision of expert conservation advice to private owners of vacant traditional houses. This scheme helps owners to bring vacant historic buildings back into residential use while enhancing their character, energy efficiency, integrity, and amenity. By helping owners to access expert advice at an early stage, the scheme also helps to reduce the risk of long-term damage from poorly designed interventions.

Part of the Historic Structures Fund, the scheme will cover up to 67% of the costs (to a maximum grant of €5,000) of having a conservation expert with appropriate expertise visit a traditional building, conduct a survey, and compile tailored advice on repairs and improvements.

Applications for support under this scheme must be made by the deadline of 2 May 2025. The application form and guidance documents are available to view and download on my Department’s website.

In February, I announced the award of €8.1m of funding to over 650 projects under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2025. The BHIS provides capital grants of between €2,500 and €50,000 for a wide range of works to conserve and enhance our historic buildings and streetscapes, and at the same time to sustain and develop traditional building skills.

A wide range of historic structures received funding under the scheme, from modest traditional homes and shops to landmark public buildings. Some €1.25 million of the €8.1 million in total funding was allocated to thatched buildings. The full list of projects which have been allocated funding for 2025 may be found on my Department's website.

In addition to the funding provided under BHIS, owners and custodians will themselves commit an estimated €29.5 million to these projects from private sources, marking this as a very significant investment in our built heritage and the traditional building skills which support it.

The application window for the 2026 BHIS is expected to open in July. Building owners considering applying for conservation grant funding are encouraged to contact their local authorities for advice and guidance.