Kildare granted major funding as part of new scheme aimed at historical buildings

Kildare is set to massively benefit from the announcement of the government's Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2025, with over €230,804 being allocated to 12 projects in the entire county of Kildare. 

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage, and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, announced on Friday the list of over 650 projects across the country which are to be awarded funding under the new scheme which amounts to a total of €8.1 million. 

The purpose of the grant is to support property owners to conserve and enhance historic buildings and streetscapes while also preserving and developing traditional building skills. 

This year’s grants will be used to repair, restore, and protect historic structures from modest traditional homes to landmark public buildings. 

In Kildare, some of the projects which have been allocated funding include Lodge Park in Straffan (€30,000), The Hermitage, Carnalway (€27,000), the Herbert Lodge in the Curragh (€25,000), Hill House in Naas (€25,000), the Holy Faith Convent in Celbridge (€23,159) and Quinnsboro in Monasterevin (€17,000). 

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In addition to the funding provided under the government's scheme, owners and custodians will themselves commit an estimated €29.5m to these projects from private sources.

Out of the €8.1 million in total funding, €1.25 million will be allocated to thatched buildings. A total of €13,334 in thatch funding will be awarded to Kildare specifically. 

Speaking earlier today, Minister O’Sullivan said: "Ireland’s built heritage is a national asset which enriches our countryside, villages, towns, and cities. In maintaining and caring for our historic buildings, owners and custodians perform a valuable public service, and I am delighted to be able to support their efforts. 

"Alongside related initiatives such as the Historic Structures Fund, Community Monuments Fund, and the THRIVE scheme, this vital funding will help to ensure the survival of Ireland’s shared architectural inheritance for future generations."

Subject to funding, both the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Historic Thatched Buildings Scheme will be open to new applications this July for projects for completion next year.