Fianna Fáil TD for Louth, Erin McGreehan, has warmly welcomed the announcement of €269,655 in funding for Louth under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, following today’s significant national announcement.
The funding will provide vital conservation support, including the restoration and protection of historic buildings across the Dundalk, Ravensdale, Greenore, Ardee, Castlebellingham and Drogheda.
This will ensure that important heritage structures can be safeguarded for future generations.
Commenting on the announcement, Deputy McGreehan said:
“This funding is about far more than bricks and mortar. It represents an investment in our local history and in the culture and character of our communities. These historic buildings tell the story of our area, and this support will ensure that story is preserved for future generations.”
With €8.1 million being made available nationally in 2026, the scheme will help property owners to conserve and enhance historic buildings and streetscapes, while also supporting the preservation and development of traditional building skills. Grants will be used to repair, restore, and protect historic structures across Ireland’s cities, towns, villages, and rural areas.
Deputy McGreehan said the scheme would also play an important role in tackling vacancy and supporting communities:
“This funding will ensure that the architectural legacy of past generations continues to survive in our towns, villages, and rural communities. Alongside initiatives such as the revised Living City Initiative and the improved and expanded Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, it will help to maximise the use of existing building stock and prevent vacancy, dereliction, and underuse.”
The Deputy also highlighted that €1.1 million has been specifically allocated in 2026 to support the repair and conservation of traditional thatched buildings nationwide.
Deputy McGreehan concluded:
“Built heritage is not just about landmark buildings. Often, the heart of a community is a historic place where people live, work, or meet. I would like to thank my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, and the Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, for their continued commitment to protecting Ireland’s built heritage.”
Speaking on the Fianna Fáil podcast ‘Fianna Fáil: In Our Own Words’ in relation to this funding announcement and what heritage means to him, Minister of State Christopher O’Sullivan said:
“Some of my favourite experiences have been meeting communities all over Ireland, groups of people who are passionate about their local heritage and who come together to restore and protect these incredible pieces of history. These grants, of up to €50,000, support both community groups and homeowners in that work.”
For further information, reach out to Erin McGreehan.
ENDS
The Fianna Fáil: In Our Own Words podcast episode on heritage, featuring Minister Christopher O’Sullivan and Senator Mary Fitzpatrick, is available here: Fianna Fáil: In Our Own Words | Podcast on Spotify
View the full list of projects which will receive funding under BHIS 2026 here: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/services/built-heritage-investment-scheme-bhis/
View the full list of projects receiving funding for thatched buildings under BHIS 2026 here: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/services/historic-thatch-grant/
