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Historic Structures Fund 2026

Historic Structures Fund 2026

The Historic Structures Fund (HSF) is now accepting applications for grant funding. The scheme supports larger-scale conservation works to important historic buildings and is administered by Galway County Council on behalf of the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.

  • Application Deadline: Friday, 16th January 2026 at 5PM Submit to: conservationoffice@galwaycoco.ie 

Eligible Structures 

  • Protected Structures in the Galway County Record of Protected Structures (RPS)
  • Proposed Protected Structures that meet inclusion criteria (architectural, historical, etc.)
  • Structures in Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs) or near National Monuments (in exceptional cases) Refer to the guidance circular below for ineligible works 

Eligible Works (Examples from Previous Years)

  • Roof repairs (including thatch)
  • Window and door restoration or replacement
  • Internal plasterwork and wall repairs
  • External rendering
  • All works must follow best conservation practices 

Ineligible Works

Funding Available

  • Grants of €50,000–€200,000
  • In exceptional cases, over €200,000 may be awarded
  • Typically up to 50% of eligible costs, rising to 80% in special circumstances 

Who Can Apply?

  • Private owners or custodians of eligible structures
  • Local authorities, for works to publicly owned eligible structures that deliver heritage and community benefit

Application Requirements

  • Completed Application Form A
  • Method Statement for proposed works
  • Completed Application Checklist

Incomplete applications will not be accepted after the deadline 

Key Conservation Principles

  • Research & Analysis – Understand the structure’s history and current condition
  • Use Expert Advice – Work must involve conservation professionals or skilled tradespeople
  • Protect Special Interest – Respect the structure’s tangible and intangible heritage value
  • Minimum Intervention – Only intervene as much as necessary
  • Respect Earlier Alterations – Understand and retain meaningful past changes
  • Repair Rather than Replace – Preserve original materials whenever possible
  • Honesty in Repairs – New works should be distinguishable from old
  • Use Appropriate Materials – Traditional materials preferred; new methods must be justified
  • Ensure Reversibility – Where possible, interventions should be removable
  • Avoid Incremental Damage – Small changes add up—consider long-term impact
  • Discourage Salvaged Materials – Only use architectural salvage if no alternative exists and provenance is clear

Timeline

  • Deadline to apply: 16 January 2026
  • Funding notifications: Early 2026
  • Work completion: By mid-October 2026 (Phased funding over two years may be possible on request)

Need Help?

For queries, support with your application, or to confirm the status of your building contact: Ann Marie Cusack Executive Architectural Conservation Officer conservationoffice@galwaycoco.ie 091 509308

Download Application Documents