Minister Cummins announces over €314,000 in conservation support for Waterford historic buildings

• €273,729 awarded to 31 projects to protect historic buildings in Waterford

• Thatched projects receive further €41,060under Historic Thatched Buildings scheme

Minister of State for Planning and Local Government at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, John Cummins TD, has today (23 January 2026) announced over €270,000 in funding to Waterford projects under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2026. A further €41,060 under the Historic Thatched Buildings Scheme will allow for the preservation of thatch properties in the county.

The BHIS helps property owners to conserve and enhance historic buildings and streetscapes, while also helping to keep traditional building skills alive.

This year’s grants will be used to repair, restore and protect historic structures, from traditional homes to landmark public buildings in our cities, towns and villages, and across the wider countryside. The scheme covers restoration work to historic buildings such as roof and wall repairs and works on windows and doors.

The funding is provided by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s National Built Heritage Service and is administered by the local authorities.

Minister Cummins said:

“The Built Heritage Investment Scheme really showcases the successful partnerships between Local Authorities and individual owners of historic buildings working together to put in place supports for eligible buildings under this scheme funded by the Department.

Guided and supported by Architectural Conservation Officers and other local authority staff, the owners and custodians of our historic buildings continue to undertake immense efforts to invest in the upkeep of buildings that are so important to our towns and city.

This funding from Government will greatly assist in this ongoing work, helping to preserve the identity of our towns, villages and local communities in Waterford.

I am delighted to see such a spread of projects right across the city and county – from Cappoquin to Dungarvan and Lismore to Waterford City – and I look forward to following the progress of these projects over the next year.”

Projects in Waterford awarded funding today include:

• €16,000 for roof repairs to 31 and 32, The Mall, Waterford

• €7,000 for external features, rainwater dispersal and interiors at the Church of St Vincent De Paul, Garraunbaun, Dungarvan

• €20,000 for roof repairs at Chapel Street, Tallow

• €16,000 for roof repairs to Curraghmore House, Portlaw

• €12,000 for roofs, external walls, and external features to St Johns Church, Parnell Street, Waterford

• €14,000 for roof repairs to the Icehouse, Ballyin Lower, Lismore

The full list of projects can be found on the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage website: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/services/built-heritage-investment-scheme-bhis/

€8.1 million has been awarded nationally through the Built Heritage Investment Scheme. Of the total funding, almost €1.1 million has been earmarked for works to thatched buildings, made up of almost €600,000 from the dedicated Historic Thatched Buildings stream, plus an additional €490,000 from the mainstream of the BHIS.

A list of thatched projects are available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/services/historic-thatch-grant/

In addition to the public funding provided under BHIS, an estimated €35 million of private funds will be committed to these projects by owners and custodians, further enhancing the investment in Ireland’s built heritage and representing an effective partnership between the State, individuals and communities around the country.