Conservation grants helping to save Kilkenny’s unique heritage

Work underway on a thatched roof

As well as the increased grants, another change to the process this year is a much earlier call for applications, with the intention of allowing projects to be ready to go as early as possible if approved. It has been brought forward to give applicants more time to read through the guidance and application forms, and submit their applications.

Under the old time-frame it could be April before works started on qualifying projects, now, it is hoped, everything will be in place for some to start work in January.

In conjunction with the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, later in the year Kilkenny County Council will be launching grant funding for restoration of thatched roofs and the historic structures fund (which will be up to €200,000).

A big part of all these grants will be restoring the historic fabric of our county, said Francis. Included in the schemes will be both thatched and slated roofs and chimney stacks.

Other examples of works that can be funded are windows and doors, repointing of stone and lime work, as well as the repair of stairs, architraves, ceiling roses and floors. “It covers quite a lot, it’s up to the owner,” Francis pointed out.

Conserving our built heritage has many advantages, including making a vital contribution to the regeneration of urban and rural areas, as well as reducing the need for new construction, the re-use of historic buildings can contribute to the national effort to reduce our carbon emissions.

Buildings that qualify for the Built Heritage Investment Scheme are protected structures and proposed protected structures, structures within architectural conservation areas and vernacular structures.
Historic shop fronts are also included.

Every year they try to support thatch-roofed cottages, with two or three applications every year, said Francis.

Windows can be a concern to people, in homes over 100 years old where a single pane window is not energy efficient. Grants can cover the installation of ‘secondary glazing units’ to the rear of a window, that does not impact on the character of the building facade but makes the building more energy efficient.

Owners are assisted to repair and retain what they already have.
A number of shop front projects were supported last year, Francis said, which is important because Kilkenny City is known for the elaborate detailing on its shop fronts.

A stand-out project last year was the replacement of a mill wheel which saw a Kilkenny mill move its mill stones for the first time in 70 years!

All guidance notes, details of what structures qualify, and applications are now available on the Kilkenny County Council website: https://kilkennycoco.ie/eng/services/planning/conservation/conservation-grants/

Francis encouraged people to go and have a look at those guidelines and to get in touch with him at the county council with any queries.
The closing date for submission of applications to the Conservation Office, Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, is 4pm on September 27, 2024.