€275,000 for historic buildings

More than €275,000 has been allocated for the repair and conservation of historic buildings in Westmeath under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2026. A total of €251,839 has been awarded to eight projects in the county under the main scheme, and €25,390 for works under the Historic Thatched Buildings stream.

The funding was confirmed on Friday by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, TD, and the Minister of State with responsibility for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, TD.

The scheme supports the repair, restoration and protection of historic structures, ranging from traditional homes to landmark public buildings, and includes works such as roof and wall repairs, and conservation of windows and doors.

Funding is provided through the Dept of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s National Built Heritage Service and administered by local authorities.

Projects in Westmeath to receive funding this year include €40,000 for roof repairs at The Castle on Main Street, Moate, and €35,000 for roof works at the former Ulster Bank building at 15/17 Oliver Plunkett Street, Mullingar.

Other allocations include €23,000 for conservation works to the stables and outbuildings at Gaybrook Park Estate, Mullingar, €20,839 for roof and rainwater disposal works at St Colmcille’s Church, Ballinahown, Athlone, and €23,000 for repairs to windows, doors and associated elements at the Parochial House in Ballintue, Ballynacargy.

Minister Browne said preserving historic buildings required action “today to repair, maintain and secure the integrity of these buildings with the care and attention they deserve”, adding that the scheme also helped to tackle vacancy and dereliction by supporting the reuse of existing building stock.

Minister O’Sullivan said built heritage was not limited to grand houses or public landmarks, noting that many of the most important historic buildings were those where people live, work and gather in local communities.

He said the funding would help owners and custodians protect and restore buildings that often present challenges for modern use, while also supporting traditional craftspeople and conservation skills throughout the county.

Nationally, €8.1 million has been awarded under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme this year, including almost €1.1 million earmarked for works to thatched buildings. It is estimated that a further €35 million in private investment will be committed by property owners alongside the public funding.

Subject to funding, both the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Historic Thatched Buildings Scheme are expected to reopen to new applications in July for projects scheduled for completion in 2027.