COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, June 12, 2023

QUESTION NO. 21

QUESTION: Councillor F. Timmons

To ask the Chief Executive what heritage grants Sdcc intend to apply for next time, given that for at least the last 2 years Sdcc doesn't appear to have applied for any such grants?

REPLY:

There are currently two funding streams under National Architectural Conservation Grant Schemes for Protected Structures which is funded by the Department Housing, Local government and Heritage and are administered and managed by the Councils Architectural Conservation Officer, LUPT.  Both schemes have been in operation since 2017 and applications are submitted each year by SDCC based on the applications received by private owners of Protected Structures, for properties in Architectural Conservation Areas and Protected Structures in public ownership. 

(1) The Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) – The BHIS is intended to assist with works to safeguard structures protected 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 each year when the scheme is announced invite owners of Protected Structures and buildings within Architectural Conservation Areas to apply.  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. 

The allocation under BHIS for SDCC for 2023 is €96,000 which was the same allocation as last year.  Under this year’s scheme 9 applications were received by owners of privately owned Protected Structures or for properties within Architectural Conservation Areas.  All 9 applications submitted to the DHLGH were successful in securing provisional approval with one being in the Clondalkin Area – Church of the Immaculate Conception who have been allocated the max. grant aid of €15,000 towards the cost of stained-glass restoration.  No applications were received by any Council Departments under BHIS 2023.  In 2022 an application under BHIS 2022 was submitted by the Public Realm Section for the restoration of original gates at Ely Gate, max funding was provided towards this project and additional funds to complete the project were provided through the architectural conservation capital fund.

(2) Historic Structures Fund (HSF) – Previously the Structures at Risk Fund, the primary focus of the HSF is on caring for and restoring historic structures and buildings for the benefit of communities and the public.  In addition, refurbishment or reuse projects share a clear residential benefit is demonstrated under Stream 2 in line with Housing for All commitments.   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 historic structures.  Stream 2 will offer a small number of grants from €50,000 up to €200,000 for larger enhancement, refurbishment or reuse projects involving protected structures, where a clear community or public benefit has been demonstrated and addition of refurbishment or reuse projects.

Applications were received by private owners of protected structures under HSF 2022 and 2023. Peamount Hospital was successful in securing funding (€50,000) under Stream 1 for phase one works to St. Luke’s Church in 2022 and for phase two works under HSF 2023 (€40,00). 

Under BHIS one application can be submitted for Local Authority owned structures and HSF allows 3 applications plus one for public owned.  For Council Protected Structures the relevant Section/Department must make an application to the Architectural Conservation Section, LUPT for grant funding towards projects.  All applications are assessed and appraised in order for qualifying projects to be recommended to the Department in accordance with the terms and conditions of the scheme for formal approval. 

SDCC invites owners of Protected Structures and where applicable for properties in ACAs to apply for funding each year under both schemes detailed above when grant funding is announced by the Minister.  The Architectural Conservation Section will advise and support Grant Applications from Council Departments for SDCC owned Protected Structures and where possible will seek additional funding from the Capital Fund to make up any shortfall of funding in continuing to deliver architectural conservation projects.