Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2026
Sligo County Council is inviting applications under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2026 as operated by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The grant scheme will apply to structures within the Sligo County Council area only and will be administered by Sligo County Council.
Information Webinar - Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2026
The Heritage Office, Sligo County Council will host an information webinar on the BHIS 2026 grant scheme on Thursday 14th August 2025 at 12 noon. To Register, please email conservation@sligococo.ie
Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and BHIS Historic Thatched Buildings (HTB) Stream
The BHIS is intended to support historic buildings and structures in need of repair and conservation. The scheme supports essential repairs and smaller capital works for the refurbishment and conservation of heritage structures and the employment of conservation professionals, craftspeople and tradespersons.
Grants of between €2,500 and €50,000 will be awarded, with applicants required to provide a minimum of 20% of total costs.
A micro grant scheme for routine maintenance and minor repairs will also apply under BHIS 2026. The maximum award for such projects will be €2,500.
The BHIS 2026 funding Streams are as follows:
| Funding Stream | Available Funding | Max Grant |
|---|---|---|
| Built Heritage Investment Scheme | €2,500 - €50,000 | Max: 80% of total cost of works |
| Vernacular Structures (Where the structure is NOT protected, proposed for protection or within an Architectural Conservation Area) |
€2,500 - €30,000 | Max: 80% of total cost of works |
| Micro Grant Scheme (Routine maintenance and minor repairs) |
Up to €2,500 | Max: 80% of total cost of works |
| Historic Thatched Buildings (Any historic thatched structure, including domestic or commercial properties) |
Up to €20,000 | Max: 80% of total cost of works |
For the BHIS grant scheme, eligible structures include:
- Protected Structures: Structures included in the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) of each Local Authority area.
- Proposed Protected Structures: Structures proposed for inclusion in the Record of RPS but not formally approved. Such structures must be added to the RPS by 31 December 2026.
- Structures in Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs): where it can be demonstrated that the works will enhance the character and appearance of an ACA.
- Vernacular Structures
- Historic Shopfronts
- Historic Thatched Buildings
Full details on the terms and conditions of the grant schemes and application forms are available on the links below. Applicants should read the scheme guidelines and be familiar with the qualifying criteria and conditions of the relevant grant scheme.
Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2026
BHIS Historic Thatched Buildings (HTB) Scheme 2026
Please note that all grant applications must be accompanied by a method statement prepared by a suitably qualified conservation professional.
Applications by email (encouraged) must be clearly marked Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2026 and emailed to conservation@sligococo.ie.
Alternatively, hard copy applications can be sent to: Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2026, Heritage Office, Sligo County Council, City Hall, Quay Street, Sligo, F91 PP44.
Closing date for receipt of completed applications is 4pm Friday 26th September 2025.
Late applications and/or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
For further information please contact: Heritage Office, Sligo County Council on:
Tel: 071-9114446 or email: conservation@sligococo.ie