Reminder: HISTORIC STRUCTURES FUND 2023

Posted on By niamhmurray

Monaghan County Council is now inviting applications for funding under the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2023.

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 carried out 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 or proposed to be protected under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), structures/properties in Architectural Conservation Areas, and also vernacular structures/properties not currently protected or proposed to be protected. The scheme is being administered by Monaghan County Council’s Planning Section.

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 2023 is structured as follows:

  1. Stream 1 offers 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. 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 offers 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.

  1. Vernacular Structures Stream – offers 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
  • Proposed Protected Structures
  • 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 apply for funding under both the Historic Structures Fund 2023 and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2023, but cannot avail of funding from both schemes in the same year.

 

How to apply

The HSF 2023 Circular outlines full details of the terms and conditions of the various funding streams. The Circular and application form are available to download at https://monaghan.ie/planning/historic-structures-fund/

Hard copies are also available at the Planning Offices Reception.

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 31st January 2023.