The Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage has announced a pilot scheme to provide grants for expert conservation advice on protected structures in private ownership. The scheme will provide grants of €3,000 (ex. VAT) to cover the cost of having a conservation-accredited architect visit a protected structure, conduct a survey, and compile tailored conservation advice for the property owner. The report will suggest a maintenance schedule for the building, and outline repairs and improvements which would enhance the building’s character, integrity, and amenity.

The aim of the scheme is to help owners of protected structures to understand the value and potential of the architectural heritage of their buildings, and to prompt them to consider investments which could enhance that value, whether funded privately or through conservation grants. It is hoped to receive applications from owners of protected structures who may not be fully aware of the value and potential of their building, or who do not know how best to realise that potential. The maximum number of grants available is expected to be in the region of 100.

 Applicants must complete an application form and submit it to builtheritage@housing.gov.ie by Friday, September 30th using the subject line ‘Conservation Advice Pilot Scheme’. . This information is also available at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/32ae3-financial-assistance-for-architectural-heritage/.

Record of Protected Structure numbers can be obtained from either Appendix 2(a) or 2(b) of the Monaghan County Development Plan 2019-2025 which is available by clicking on the following link

https://monaghan.ie/planning/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2019/04/Monaghan-County-Development-Plan-2019-2025-Appendix-1-18-1.pdf

 Successful applicants will be selected by lottery and provided by the Department with a list of conservation architects participating in the scheme. The applicant will then select an architect from the list and arrange a site visit. Based on the site visit the architect will compile a report using the Conservation Advice Template attached. The completed report will be provided to both the building owner and the Department. The Department will use the reports only for the purpose of approving the grant payment. The Department will make grant payments directly to the architect on receipt and approval of the required Conservation Advice and invoice. Successful applicants are not required to make any upfront payments or provide matched funding.

Conservation Advice Pilot Programme Applicant’s Brief

Conservation Advice Pilot Programme Application Form

Conservation Advice Pilot Programme Privacy Statement