Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2026 Now Open!

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has announced the opening of applications for the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2026, a vital initiative aimed at preserving Ireland’s architectural heritage. The scheme, funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, supports the conservation, enhancement, and adaptive reuse of historic buildings and structures across the county.

The 2026 round of the HSF focuses on larger-scale projects with grants ranging from €50,000 to €200,000. Eligible proposals must demonstrate either a clear community or public benefit—such as cultural, educational, or tourism value—or a residential benefit, provided they comply with planning requirements.

The fund is open to:

• Protected Structures listed in the Record of Protected Structures (RPS)

• Structures proposed for inclusion in the RPS, meeting criteria of special architectural, historical, or cultural interest

• Buildings within Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs) or near National Monuments, under exceptional circumstances

Applications may be submitted by:

• Private owners or custodians of historic structures, via the local authority

• Local authorities for works on publicly owned heritage buildings

Only one application per structure will be considered, emphasizing the importance of strategic and well-prepared submissions.

The deadline for completed applications is 4pm on 16 January 2026, and all submissions must be sent to conservation@dlrcoco.ie. Detailed guidance, including qualifying works and method statement requirements, is available in the official HSF 2026 documentation on the Council’s website.

This funding opportunity builds on successful past projects, such as the restoration of Puck’s Castle and conservation works at Mount Anville, showcasing the transformative impact of heritage investment on local communities.

More information and to download the application materials.