THE GOVERNMENT has confirmed that it will go even further to protect historic properties in Limerick as up to €50,000 in grant funding is available for the care and maintenance of notable properties under the newly revised Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS).
The scheme – which previously offered a sum of €15,000 to owners of historic properties to complete their restoration and maintenance passion projects – will not only potentially receive over three times the budget this year, the deadline for the announcement of those set to benefit from the grant has been moved up from March to this coming January to allow more time for completion during 2025.
According to Limerick City and County Council, the scheme allows “custodians of (historically significant) buildings meet their obligations in maintaining and conserving Ireland’s architectural heritage”.
The aim of BHIS is to provide financial assistance to property owners looking to carry out conservation and maintenance works on historic properties.
To be eligible for the scheme, properties must be protected structures or located within an architectural conservation area or area of special planning control.
The scheme offers financial support to a variety of larger heritage projects as well, extending beyond private dwellings to include structures previously covered by the umbrella of the Historic Structures Fund (HSF).
Applications for HSF grants will open later this year, providing funding ranging from €50,000 to €200,000 for larger-scale projects.
Those interested in applying for the BHIS can do so through Limerick City and County Council’s Heritage Unit before 5pm on September 27.
