The Historic Thatched Buildings Grant – HTB / BHIS (part of the Built Heritage Investment Scheme – BHIS) is now open for applications for grant funding for works to the eligible structures as listed below. Guidance on making an application, and the application form can be downloaded below.
HTB / BHIS applications must be submitted to conservation@galwaycity.ie by the 17th of January 2025. It is recommended that applicants get in touch with the Architectural Conservation Officer before this date via conservation@galwaycity.ie, as it will not be possible to clarify / adjust submitted applications after this date.
Eligible Structures
Any historic thatched structure, including domestic or commercial properties. Structures or works within Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs), or within the amenity of a National Monument, where exceptional circumstances apply.
Eligible works
Primary qualifying works are thatching works to the roof and any necessary work that must be completed as part of these works, such as chimney repairs.
About the Historic Thatched Buildings Grant – HTB / BHIS
The purpose of the scheme is to protect the heritage value of historic thatched roof buildings across Ireland, including dwellings and other structures. The Historic Thatched Buildings Grant is part of the Built Heritage Investment Scheme – BHIS.
The HTB / BHIS is administered by the Architectural Conservation Section of Galway City Council on behalf of Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.
Applications in respect of an individual structure can be made to both the HTB/BHIS and the HSF, but funding may only be awarded from one scheme in any one year.
Who can apply
Owners and occupiers of historic thatched buildings, refer to section 3.1 of the downloadable guidance document below.
Preparing an Application
The application form and guidance for applicants is provided below.
Applicants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these documents.
Applications must include all the required documentation listed below:
- Completed Application Form A
- Comprehensive Method Statement for the Works (refer to guidance for further information on the content of a method statement)
- Application Checklist
Incomplete applications will not be accepted after the deadline listed below.
Works carried out under the HTB / BHIS must meet all statutory requirements including the need for planning permission. Where works are proposed to sites/monuments protected under the National Monuments Acts 1930-2004, the statutory requirements for notification or for Ministerial consent under those Acts must be complied with.
If you require further information, clarification, or guidance on preparing an application, or confirmation if your structure is Protected, a proposed protected structure, or in an ACA, please contact Michael Scott, Executive Architectural Conservation Officer at Galway City Council via conservation@galwaycity.ie or 091 536400.
Submitting an Application
Completed applications must be submitted no later than 4PM, FRIDAY the 17TH OF JANUARY 2025 to conservation@galwaycity.ie
Amount of Funding Available
Up to 80% of the total cost of the works, with a maximum grant of €20,000. Please note that in many cases the funding awarded will be considerably lower than 80%.
Timeframe to Complete the Works
Successful applications will receive notification of provisional funding awarded in February 2025, with works to be completed by October 2025.
Application Documents
The 2025 HTB / BHIS Circular Guidance Booklet, Application Form, and Checklist are available to download below.
Document HTB-BHIS 2025 Guidance Circular.pdf (PDF, 915.43KB) Document HTB-BHIS 2025 - Application Form A.docx (DOCX, 184.75KB) Document HTB-BHIS 2025 Application Checklist.docx (DOCX, 22.17KB)