Grants of up to €50,000 open to Kilkenny heritage buildings

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has officially launched the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2026, along with a dedicated Historic Thatched Buildings Stream, offering vital support to those preserving Ireland’s rich architectural legacy.

Announced by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, the schemes aim to allow owners and custodians of historic buildings to carry out essential conservation works. These initiatives play a key role in safeguarding the unique character and charm of Ireland’s built environment.

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Administered locally through Kilkenny County Council’s Architectural Conservation Office, the BHIS offers grants ranging from €2,500 to €50,000. Funding is available for works to protected structures, as well as vernacular buildings and historic shopfronts that, while not statutorily protected, are integral to our cultural and architectural heritage.

In addition, a special funding stream for historic thatched buildings is available, recognising the distinctive contribution of thatch to Ireland’s rural and coastal landscapes. Applicants may apply under either scheme, but only one grant will be awarded per applicant.

This is a fantastic opportunity for property owners to invest in the future of their historic buildings while contributing to the preservation of Ireland’s national heritage.

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Applications close at 5pm on Friday,  September 26, 2025.

Application forms and further information for both grants are available on the Kilkenny County Council website at the link below: https://kilkennycoco.ie/eng/services/planning/conservation/conservation-grants/ Hard copies may be requested from the public counter of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council.