Historic buildings in Offaly to benefit as substantial heritage funding announced

Over a quarter of a million euro has been allocated to the conservation support of historic buildings in Offaly as part of new government funding. 

The announcement was made by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD on Friday, January 23. 

The Faithful County will receive €249,637 which will be awarded to 25 projects to restore and protect historic buildings around the county under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2026.

The Built Heritage Investment Scheme supports the repair, restoration and protection of historic structures from traditional homes to landmark public buildings across Ireland, in cities, towns and villages and across the wider countryside.

The funding will assist with essential conservation works including roof repairs, external walls, windows and doors, rainwater disposal and thatch.

These projects will help protect Offaly’s built heritage while supporting skilled local trades and sustaining the character of towns and villages across the county.

An additional €15,450.49 will also be awarded under the Historic Thatched Buildings scheme bringing the allocation for Offaly to over €260,000 across the two schemes. 

The funding is provided by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s National Built Heritage Service and is administered by the local authorities.

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A selection of projects throughout Offaly have been allocated funding as part of the announcement.

The list includes:

€41,637 for Roofs and Rainwater Disposal at The Church of St. Brendan, Oxmantown Mall, Birr 

€6,000 for Windows, Doors and Associated Elements at Clara GAA Club, Convent Building, Kilbeggan Road, Kilcoursey, Clara

€8,000 for Interiors, Windows, Doors and Associated Elements at the Gate Lodge, Kinnitty Castle, Kinnitty, Birr

€11,000 for roof and interior works to The Forge, Curragh, Geashill

€15,000 for roof repairs to Temple Connor at Clonmacnoise

Fine Gael TD for Offaly, John Clendennen Welcomed the announcement. He said: "This funding is a very positive outcome for Offaly and will make a real difference on the ground with twenty-five separate projects set to benefit.

Our built heritage is a vital part of our identity and sense of place, and these grants will help ensure important buildings are protected, maintained and brought forward for future generations."

Deputy Clendennen added: "Beyond the conservation benefits, this investment also supports local employment and traditional skills, while contributing to the regeneration of our towns, villages and rural areas. It underlines the importance of continued and targeted investment in heritage led development."

Local TD Tony McCormack also welcomed the funding and stated that it can make a huge impact across the county.

He commented: "This funding is very welcome and will make a real difference to the protection of Offaly’s historic buildings. These structures are an important part of our local identity and community life, and this investment will help ensure they are maintained and preserved for future generations."

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Offaly's funding forms part of a national €8.1 million allocation through the Built Heritage Investment Scheme which will be divided across 696 projects throughout the country. 

Of the total funding, almost €1.1 million has been earmarked for works to thatched buildings, made up of almost €600,000 from the dedicated Historic Thatched Buildings stream, plus an additional €490,000 from the mainstream of the BHIS.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, TD, remarked: "This funding under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme will ensure that the architectural legacy of past generations continues to survive in towns, villages, and rural communities in Offaly and across the country."

Minister of State with responsibility for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan, TD, added: "Built heritage in Ireland isn’t just about great houses and magnificent public structures. Often, the architectural jewel in our towns and villages is a historic building where people meet, live or work."

Subject to funding, both the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Historic Thatched Buildings Scheme will re-open to new applications this July for projects scheduled for completion in 2027.