2021 Funding for conservation works and repairs in Fingal - Closing date extended

Fingal County Council is now inviting applications under a number of schemes for repairs or conservation projects within the Fingal area - closing date extended to February 26th

Conservation projects funded

Fingal County Council is now inviting applications under a number of schemes for works to be done in 2021 for small, medium or large-scale repairs or conservation projects to Protected Structures and in certain circumstances to buildings that enhance Architectural Conservation Areas within the Fingal area. 

In 2020 over €172,000 in funding was provided through Fingal County Council to 24 projects to assist owners in repairing and safeguarding the architectural heritage of Fingal in their ownership and care.  For owners carrying out routine maintenance or small repairs to the historic fabric of their homes Fingal County Council’s own Stitch in Time scheme offers grants between €100 to €2,500.  For more substantial works funding is available through the Built Heritage Investment Scheme or the Historic Structures Fund. 

The Historic Structures Fund has been expanded in 2021 to allow applications for a pilot scheme for the conservation of a vernacular structure that is not a Protected Structure and another pilot scheme for the refurbishment of a historic shopfront and traditional Irish Language shopfronts. 

Funding is available under the following schemes:

  • Architectural Heritage Fund’s “Stitch in Time Grant” 2021
  • Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2021
  • Historic Structures Fund 2021
  • Pilot Stream for Historic Shopfronts & Traditional Irish Language Shopfronts under Historic Structures Fund 2021
  • Pilot Stream for Vernacular Structures under Historic Structures Fund 2021

The Architectural Conservation Officer Helena Bergin has seen the benefit of these schemes in helping owners maintain and in some cases restore back a building to its original beauty and charm and commented: “It has been so rewarding and heart-warming to see the genuine appreciation and pride of owners in the completion of conservation repairs to their historic homes or properties.  These buildings add so much character to the towns, villages and countryside of Fingal.  There is no such thing as a maintenance-free building.  Whether modern or old all structures need care and attention to prevent decay or damage. 

The conservation funding schemes exist to aid owners with the appropriate detailing and correct methods to repair the historic materials used in older buildings such as lime, stone, hand-made brick, thatch, natural slate, and historic joinery as the use of modern rigid and non-breathable materials such as concrete and plastics can do more harm than good.” 

EXTENSION TO CLOSING DATE: Due to current restrictions in place the closing date for the submission of completed applications for the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and Historic Structures Fund has been extended to 5PM FRIDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2021.  A specific closing date is not being set for the Stitch in Time Grant, instead it will remain open until the budget it fully allocated so applications will be dealt with on a first come first served basis.  Application forms for all three schemes are available on Fingal County Council website and completed applications should be sent to the Architectural Conservation Officer of Fingal County Council at  [email protected]  . 

Please note that applicants cannot avail of funding under both the Historic Structures Fund and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme in the same year and so should only apply for one scheme.

To apply see :