COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

MOTION NO. 1

MOTION: Councillor Eoin Ó Broin

Cathaoirleach's Business

"That this Area Committee notes with interest the recently announced, Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2021 and the Historic Structure Fund (HSF) 2021, both administered by SDCC, and, receives a presentation on the types of structures that can typically receive funding under such schemes so as the members may have a better idea of what in the Clondalkin LEA could in principle apply for such funding."

REPORT:

The Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) are running again this year and both are funded by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.  Both schemes run in tandem and there are different streams and funding available.  Applicants apply to South Dublin County Councils Architectural Conservation Section before the closing date of the 28th January 2021 and applications are then assessed and submitted for formal provisional approval by the Departments Architectural Protection Unit. 

Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2021

The allocation for South Dublin County Council under the scheme for 2021 is €72,000.  The fund is intended to assist with works to safeguard Protected Structures under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and, in certain cases, works to structures within Architectural Conservation Areas, and to support the employment of skilled and experienced conservation professionals and tradespeople. The fund is not intended to assist in the carrying out of routine maintenance, alterations, improvements, or pre-existing works.

South Dublin County Council have invited owners of Protected Structures and buildings within Architectural Conservation Areas to apply under this scheme and details have been advertised and are available on the Councils website.  Applications can be lodged for grants of between €2,500 up to a maximum of €15,000, with applicants required to provide a minimum of 50% of total costs.   Only one application under BHIS can be made by the Local Authority.  Circular BHIS21/1 provides full details of qualifying works and works approved under this scheme must meet all statutory requirements including the need for planning permission, where appropriate.

Under BHIS 2020, six projects were completed, five of which were private owners and one was Council owned (Whitechurch Library) which was for the repair and energy efficiency upgrading of original timber sash windows.

Historic Structures Fund 2021

The primary focus of the Historic Structures Fund is on caring for and restoring historic structures and buildings for the benefit of communities and the public.  There are a number of changes to the scheme, as set out in the HSF Guidance Circular.  The principal change for 2021 is the introduction of two pilot streams:

The Historic Structures Fund 2021 will have four Streams:

  1. Stream 1 will offer grants from €15,000 up to €50,000 and is aimed at essential repairs and smaller capital works for the refurbishment and conservation of heritage structures.
  2. Stream 2 will offer a small number of grants from €50,000 up to €200,000 for larger enhancement, refurbishment or reuse projects involving heritage structures, where a clear community or public benefit has been demonstrated (funding of up to €3m for 2021 under this Stream).
  3. Pilot Stream for Vernacular Structures - In the context of the forthcoming strategy for built vernacular, a pilot stream for vernacular structures is being introduced for 2021, with funding of €50,000. The purpose of the stream is to support conservation repairs and small capital works to vernacular structures that are not listed in local authority Records of Protected Structures or otherwise legally protected. Such structures may be located within an Architectural Conservation Area. All local authorities can apply for funding for specific projects of between €5,000 and €10,000 for eligible projects.
  4. Pilot Stream for Historic Shopfronts – To incentivise the conservation of historic shop fronts, each Local Authority is invited to submit an additional application under Stream 1 for eligible essential repairs and small capital works for the refurbishment and conservation of historic shop facades, windows, signage and other associated details to safeguard them and keep them in use.

Circular HSF/2021 sets out the operation of the scheme, funding available and qualifying works.

Two applications were submitted by SDCC to the Department under HSF 2020, unfortunately neither were successful in being awarded grant funding due to the high volume of applications and priority of works.

Applicants cannot avail of funding under both the Historic Structures Fund and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme in the same year.

A copy of the Councils Architectural Conservation Officers Visual Proof Report on completed projects under BHIS 2020 has been attached to provide details on the type of projects completed this year. Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2020 Projects.

https://www.sdcc.ie/en/services/planning/heritage-and-conservation/financial-support/