HISTORIC STRUCTURES FUND 2024

Posted on By niamhmurray

Monaghan County Council is now inviting applications under the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2024.

Overview

The primary focus of the Historic Structures Fund is on conservation and enhancement of historic structures and buildings for the benefit of communities and the public. It aims to enable conservation works to be conducted on heritage structures which are deemed to be significant and in need of urgent support. The scheme is designed to assist the owners and/or occupiers of structures/properties that are protected under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). Monaghan County Council’s Planning Section will administer the funds.

Project promoters are encouraged to incorporate a traditional skills training element in the project. Applications in respect of refurbishment or reuse projects involving heritage structures, and where a clear residential benefit is demonstrated, will be welcomed (subject to obtaining any necessary planning approvals).

The Historic Structures Fund 2024 will be structured as follows:

  1. Stream 1 will offer grants from €15,000 up to €50,000 and is aimed at essential repairs and smaller capital works for the refurbishment and conservation of heritage structures. The maximum grant award will be 80% of eligible costs.
  2. 2. Stream 1, Historic Shopfronts sub-stream is aimed at incentivising the refurbishment and conservation of historic shopfronts and Irish-language shopfronts and will fund small capital works to their facades, windows, signage and other associated details. The maximum grant award will be 80% of eligible costs.
  3. Stream 2 will offer a small number of grants from €50,000 up to €200,000 for larger enhancement, refurbishment or reuse projects involving heritage structures, where:
  4. a clear community or public benefit has been demonstrated, or
  5. a clear residential benefit has been demonstrated

 (subject to obtaining any necessary planning approvals).

Successful applicants will be required to, at a minimum, match their funding award by 50% of eligible costs. In exceptional circumstances a higher percentage may be sought, subject to a maximum of 80% of eligible costs. Grant may be phased over two years (Stream 2 only)

  1. Vernacular Structures Stream – will offer funding of between €5,000 and €10,000 to support conservation repairs and small capital works for the refurbishment and conservation of vernacular structures that are not listed in local authority Records of Protected Structures or otherwise legally protected to safeguard the structure and keep it in use. Such structures may be located within an Architectural Conservation Area or comprise ‘informal’ traditional buildings, which are a significant part of our intangible cultural heritage. The maximum grant award will be 80% of eligible costs.

Projects in Partnership – The Minister may designate part of the Fund for projects in partnership with State-funded organisations such as the Office of Public Works, the Irish Heritage Trust, Waterways Ireland, The Irish Landmark Trust and others, to care for historic structures and buildings in public ownership and improve recreational infrastructure and public access to these heritage assets.

Funds will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Eligibility

Streams 1 and 2, Historic Shopfronts sub stream and Partnership Projects:

In respect of projects categorised under Streams 1 and 2, the Historic Shopfronts sub stream and any Partnership Projects designated by the Minister the categories of structures/properties eligible for funding under this scheme are:

  • Protected Structures: Structure in the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) of each Local Authority
  • Proposed Protected Structures for Inclusion in the RPS but not yet formally approved for inclusion. Such structures must meet the criteria for inclusion in the RPS by the Local Authority i.e must be of special interest from an architectural , historical , archaeological , artistic , cultural , scientific, social or technical point of view.
  • Structures/properties in Architectural Conservation Areas or within the amenity of a National Monument, where exceptional circumstances apply.

Eligible projects will be as follows:

  1. a) projects proposed by local authorities on foot of applications from private applicants who are the owners or custodians of historic structures
  2. b) projects proposed by a Local Authority for works to historic structures in public ownership, where a clear heritage focus and community or public benefit has been demonstrated
  3. c) projects with a clearly defined heritage focus and community or public benefit proposed directly to the Department by a State-funded organisation working in the heritage area.

Vernacular Structures Stream

Vernacular structures are the buildings and other built features of what can be termed the ‘informal’ or vernacular landscape. Vernacular builders worked within traditional systems using techniques passed down within the family and local community. Thus, the vernacular is a significant part of our intangible cultural heritage.

In respect of the Vernacular Structures Stream applications can be accepted from the following:

  1. a) Owners of vernacular structures that are not listed in the Record of Protected Structures
  2. b) Owners of vernacular structures within an Architectural Conservation Area, but not otherwise subject to statutory protection.

Eligible projects will be as follows:

  1. a) Projects proposed by local authorities on foot of applications from private applicants who are the owners or custodians of vernacular structures
  2. b) Projects proposed by local authorities for works to vernacular structures in public ownership where a clear heritage focus and community or public benefit has been demonstrated

Note: Only one application will be considered per vernacular structure or applicant. Applicants may not avail of funding from both the main Historic Structures Fund 2024 and under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2024.

How to apply:

The HSF 2024 Circular and application form are available to download below.  Hard copies are also available at Planning Reception.

Provide links to the following documents on Built Heritage Page:

Historic Structures Fund 2024 Circular

HSF2024 Appendix V Applicant Checklist

HSF2024 Appendix I Form A (Applicant)

HSF2024 Aguisín I – Foirm A (Iarratasóir)

HSF 2024 Guidance Booklet for Applicants

HSF2024 An Ciste um Struchtúir Stairiúla Ciorclán

 

 

Completed applications using Form A and accompanied by a comprehensive method statement must be submitted to Angela Gallagher, Administrative Officer, Planning Section, No.1 Dublin Street, Monaghan Town, H18 X982 or emailed to builtheritage@monaghancoco.ie  on or before the 26th of  January 2024.

Signed: Cathal Flynn, Director of Service, Economic Development, Planning & Capital Projects

Monaghan County Council

Date: 9th of November 2023

 

Data Protection:

Historic Structures Fund