Smyth welcomes €9m heritage funding announcement
The news that €9m has been allocated for the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) for 2023 has been welcomed by the Mayor of the Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District, Cllr Hazel Smyth.
The funding for the schemes represents a 12.5 per cent increase on last year's allocation. It is expected the BHIS and HSF will support hundreds of projects and create over 50,000 days of employment for skilled conservation professionals and craftspeople.
Cllr Smyth says that “it is fantastic to see such support given to our built heritage, which is obviously an extremely important part of our history and identity”.
“This investment is an excellent opportunity to boost the local economy in Westmeath and will give significant support to local jobs in conservation and traditional skills.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that our heritage is preserved for future generations, so that they too can enjoy our Irish heritage. This funding goes a long way to ensuring this is possible for the people of Westmeath and across the country.”
Minster of State for Heritage Malcolm Noon says that the increase in funding “underlines this Government’s commitment to the continuing protection and preservation of our built environment, in line with the goals set out in Heritage Ireland 2030”.
“Supporting our communities in their efforts to repair, preserve and restore our built heritage takes significant time, care, expertise, and investment. I am therefore delighted to announce that applications are now open for both the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and Historic Structures Fund for 2023, with combined funding of €9m.”
The Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Historic Structures Fund support the owners and custodians of protected structures in every local authority area across the country. Together, the schemes will assist hundreds of small-scale, labour-intensive projects as well as larger-scale projects to repair and conserve our historic built environment. It will also include funding for the conservation of shopfronts in the Irish language.
The funding announced by Minister Noonan includes a total of €4.5 million for the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, and €4.5 million for the Historic Structures Fund. In 2022, 594 projects were funded by the two schemes, ranging from minor essential repairs of rainwater goods to large-scale roof repairs.
Applications open from 11 November, until 31 January 2023. Details of the schemes and how to apply are available on all local authority websites and the Department’s website www.housing.gov.ie.