Historic Laois buildings can avail of grants from €195,437 fund
Fisherman's Inn, Fisherstown, Ballybrittas is eligible for avail from the fund
HISTORIC Laois buildings are set to benefit under schemes designed to support the conservation of notable sites.
Approximately €195,437 has been reserved for Laois under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and the Historic Thatched Building Scheme (HTBS).
The funding will provide conservation support, including the restoration and protection of historic buildings across the county.
Announced in July 2025, the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) supports custodians of historic buildings to maintain and conserve Ireland’s important structures. The Historic Thatched Building Scheme (HTBS) is a stream of the BHIS dedicated to the historic thatched roof buildings that dot Ireland’s cultural landscape.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, said at the time: "Schemes such as the BHIS … help to preserve the record of our shared past while securing the future viability of our historic buildings as homes, workplaces, and community spaces.” Throughout Laois, €185,066 of the total sum is for 15 projects under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, and €10,371 comes under the Historic Thatched Building Scheme.
Buildings earmarked for conservation works include Workers Cottage, Ballinakill; Donaghmore Outbuildings, Donaghmore; Fisherman's Inn, Fisherstown, Ballybrittas; Former Goods Shed, Ballacolla Road, Abbeyleix; Garryvacum House, Ballybrittas; Jamestown Cross, Ballybrittas; Left Bank, Shannon St, Mountrath; and more.
Sean Fleming T.D. (FF) welcomed the announcement, noting that this funding “is about far more than bricks and mortar”.
He continued: “It represents an investment in our local history and in the culture and character of our communities. These historic buildings tell the story of our area, and this support will ensure that story is preserved for future generations.
“This funding will ensure that the architectural legacy of past generations continues to survive in our towns, villages, and rural communities.” Administered through local authorities, the BHIS is designed to support conservation efforts by providing grants of between €2,500 and €50,000 for works to buildings which are protected under the Planning and Development Acts.
Owners of thatched buildings can also apply for dedicated funding for their heritage structures under the separate thatched buildings stream, though only one grant may be awarded per applicant.
