Built Heritage

Built Heritage Policy Section’s key areas of responsibility are to develop, promote and implement policies and legislation for the protection of architectural heritage and to promote best practice in modern architecture & urban design.

The key objectives are to:

• provide a policy, legislative and administrative framework to protect architectural heritage as a national resource
• promote increased public awareness and appreciation of architecture and our national built heritage
• ensure the sustainable management of our built heritage resources

The work of the Section involves:

• administration of exchequer funding for built heritage, mainly through the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and Historic Structures Fund , administered by the local authorities, and directly by the Department, the provision of grants via the Heritage Council, tax relief under Section 482 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, and funding for works on State-owned properties carried out by the Office of Public Works
• development of the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage
• direct participation in the planning process to promote the conservation of architectural heritage and high quality urban design through advice and guidance on best practice;
• development of a National Landscape Strategy
• co-ordination of Places for People, the national policy on architecture
• support for and participation in the work of other bodies involved in built heritage (such as the Office of Public Works, the Irish Heritage Trust, the Irish Historic Houses Association and the Heritage Council) and architecture (such as the Irish Architectural Archive, the Irish Architecture Foundation, and the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland)

From time to time, funding becomes available to support not-for-profit organisations taking on projects which aim to enhance public understanding and awareness of our built heritage.

To submit a proposal for support of this type, please email a project outline of no more than three pages to builtheritage@housing.gov.ie

This project outline should:

• give a brief outline of the organisation, including examples of previous work of this type completed
• describe the activities to be undertaken
• outline the objectives of the work
• explain how the project will contribute to government policy objectives relating to built heritage and
• itemise the expected costs of the project.

The department will endeavour to respond within four weeks of receiving a project proposal.

Telephone: +353 (0)1 888 2465

Email: BuiltHeritage@housing.gov.ie