Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2026

Roscommon County Council in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage are inviting applications for the

Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2026 & The BHIS Historic Thatched Buildings Stream 2026. 

The Built Heritage Investment Scheme provides support of between €2,500 and €50,000 for the conservation of historic buildings and structures.

The BHIS Historic Thatched Buildings Stream will provide grants of up to €20,000 for the conservation of historic thatched buildings.

BHIS is a very competitive grant scheme with a limited budget.

Applications will be assessed and funding allocated based on a range of criteria, including the condition of the building and the nature of the works proposed. If approved for funding, applicants do not tend to receive approval for the full amount requested. Successful applications will be announced in January 2026.

Eligible Structures include:

Protected Structures, Structures within Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs), Vernacular Structures & Historic Thatched Buildings.

How do I apply?

BHIS2026 Guidance Booklet for Applicants

BHIS 2026 Qualifying & Non-Qualifying  Works

BHIS 2026 Application Form A

BHIS Historic Thatched Buildings Stream 2026 – Guidance Circular

BHIS Historic Thatched Buildings Stream 2026 – Application Form A

Completed applications shall be marked “Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2026” and submitted before 5.00pm on Friday 26th September 2025 either by post to: Heritage Office, Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, Co Roscommon F42 VR98 or by email to heritage@roscommoncoco.ie

Scéim Infheistíochta don Oidhreacht Thógtha (SIOT) https://www.gov.ie/ga/seirbhis/sceim-infheistiochta-don-oidhreacht-thogtha-siot/

Please note the requirement for an appropriately qualified conservation professional to oversee the works, and for a comprehensive and sound methodology to accompany the application.

Please contact the Heritage Office on 090 6637135 or heritage@roscommoncoco.ie if you have any queries.

Information sources that might assist you with your project:

If you need to find a conservation architect you should find one here https://www.riai.ie/work-with-an-architect/find-an-architect

For advice on care and conservation of your historic building check out the ADVICE SERIES publications which you can find here https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/resources/

For more detailed advice on improving energy efficiency in your traditional building see https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/app/uploads/2024/02/Improving-Energy-Efficiency-in-Traditional-Buildings.pdf

For advice on caring for vernacular buildings see https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/app/uploads/2022/03/Caring-for-Our-Vernacular-Heritage.pdf

For advice on Fire Safety in Thatch Properties see https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/app/uploads/2023/10/Fire-Safety-in-Thatched-Properties.pdf

For advice on homeowner maintenance see https://www.heritagecouncil.ie/projects/homeowner-maintenance-advice

For advice on traditional building skills see https://www.heritagecouncil.ie/advice-and-guidance/traditional-building-skills

To see if your building is a Protected Structure or not, you can download the ‘Record of Protected Structures For County Roscommon’ from https://www.rosdevplan.ie/roscommon-county-development-plan-2022-2028/

For advice on Protected Structures and Planning see https://www.opr.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Planning-Leaflet-12-A-Guide-to-Architectural-Heritage.pdf

For advice on archaeology in the planning process see Planning-Leaflet-13-Archaeology-in-the-Planning-Process.pdf (opr.ie)