HTB2027

About the BHIS 2027 - Historic Thatched Buildings Stream

This funding stream is part of the broader Built Heritage Investment Scheme, administered in Co. Longford by the Longford County Council Heritage Office on behalf of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. 

The purpose of the scheme is to protect the heritage value of historic thatched roof buildings across Ireland, including dwellings and other structures. Any historic thatched structure built before 1970, including domestic or commercial properties, is eligible to apply for grant funding under this scheme.

Please note that while up to €20,000 may be applied for under this grant stream, the actual value of the grant is likely to be significantly less and reliant on a number of factors. 

How to Apply:

Please read the scheme Circular and associated documents below:
The HTB 2027 Circular- this sets out the terms and conditions for the grant. 
HTB 2027 Application Form A.

Please note that the Declaration on Section 9 must be signed with a handwritten signature. Applications with typed names will not be accepted. The page can be printed, scanned and sent as an additional file with the application documents.

Applicants and their thatchers should read the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage's information resources, including their Conservation Advice Series, in particular the edition on Thatch - please click here to view a PDF version of this. 

Notes:

  • The application should be supported by estimates/quotations, brief method statement by the thatcher to outline the works required, the thatching and flashing materials.
  • Please also include, as far as possible, short history of the building (when you think it was built, any changes and extensions, previous rethatching you are aware of; 
  • A map showing the building outlined in red
  • Digital photographs, in PNG or JPEG format only comprising:
    • A photograph of each elevation - front, back, sides,
    • Closer photos of the exterior of the roof showing each elevation.
    • One or two photos of the interior of the underside of the thatch, within the loft area as much as possible. 
    • Close-ups of damage to the roof, missing flashings, cracks to the chimneys etc.
    • These photographs must be clear, well-lit, and in focus. Any photographs where the subject would not be recognisable to someone unfamiliar with the house cannot be accepted. 
    • The photographs must be of a reasonable size, not too large or small - about 1MB in size. 
The closing date for applications is the 30 October 2026.

Please forward the completed and signed Application Form A, the Completed Checklist, and supporting documentation via email to heritage@longfordcoco.ie

In the email subject line please write HTB 2027 and the name of your building or townland, to ensure we can receive the application. 

Printed hardcopy applications, unfortunately cannot be accepted. 

For assistance in filling out the forms and making digital copies, please make an appointment through heritage@longfordcoco.ie or (043) 3341124 before the 16 October 2026. 

Notes for successful applicants

  • Successful applicants will be notified in early 2027.
  • Works should not begin on the grant-aided works prior to the publication of the successful works by the Minister for Heritage and DHLGH. 
  • Grant-aided works must begin by the end of July 2027 and be completed by the second week of October 2027. There are no guarantees that extensions will be granted.
  • Successful applicants will be required to give periodic progress reports, outlining the work undertaken, number of days worked by the contractors and monies spent to that point.
  • They must keep a series of photographs from before the grant-aided elements of the work began, during work and on completion. These should be submitted in JPEG or PNG format as part of the funding draw-down process, along with a short report outlining the works undertaken, the final costs of the repairs, number of days of work by the contractors.
  • The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will publish the names of the successful buildings.
  • Photographs and updates on the works may be selected for publication on social media posts and reports during the duration of the works and after completion.