13/04/2026

€4.42m Boost To Safeguard Heritage Buildings Across Ireland

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan TD, announced the funding on 9 April 2026, confirming support for works that will conserve and bring historic properties back into active use.

Among the flagship awards are €200,000 for repairs to the Ambassador Theatre on Parnell Street, a landmark cultural venue within Dublin's Georgian core; over €180,000 for the Wonderful Barn in Leixlip, Co Kildare, including ground chamber and related works to facilitate renewed public access; €170,000 for Áras na nGael, the historic Galway Arts Centre on Dominick Street, to carry out conservation repairs to a vulnerable shared Georgian roof; and €115,000 for roof works to protect the historic Dingle Courthouse in Co Kerry.

Announcing the successful projects, Minister Browne said: "The award of funding under the Historic Structures Fund is a demonstration of our commitment to preserving and enhancing Ireland's architectural legacy.

"Along with the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, this Government is continuing its commitment to safeguard our built heritage, keeping many buildings in use and helping to bring many others back into use.
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"The funding also supports the survival of the skills and expertise needed to maintain our built heritage and this will also have an economic benefit by generating employment for heritage contractors and other skilled crafts and tradespeople across the country."

Minister O'Sullivan said: "Communities across the country know the value of our built heritage, and many of them dedicate their time, passion and expertise to ensuring their protection. I'm proud as Minister for Heritage to be able to support their work through schemes like the Historic Structures Fund.

"This grant can make the difference between a cherished heritage building falling into disrepair or being restored and valued as part of a thriving streetscape. I know this funding will have a huge impact around the country and I look forward to seeing the results for myself over the coming months and years."

Operating alongside the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the recently reopened Conservation Advice Grant Scheme, the Historic Structures Fund aims to conserve, protect and promote the use of historic buildings in cities, towns, villages and the countryside. The fund is delivered on a match-funding basis, with owners and custodians required to contribute towards the total project cost.

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