Offaly to benefit from €260,000 in funding for conservation of historic buildings
Historic buildings across Offaly are set to benefit from more than €260,000 in conservation funding, with 25 projects approved under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2026 and additional support for traditional thatched buildings.
A total of €249,637 has been awarded to Offaly projects under BHIS, while a further €15,450.49 has been allocated through the Historic Thatched Buildings Scheme, supporting the repair and protection of some of the county’s most important heritage structures.
The funding announcement was confirmed on Thursday, January 23, by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD.
Among the Offaly projects receiving support €41,637 for roof and rainwater works at St Brendan’s Church, Oxmantown Mall, Birr; €15,000 for roof repairs to Temple Connor, Clonmacnoise; €8,000 for interior and joinery works at the Gate Lodge, Kinnitty Castle; €6,000 for windows and doors at Clara GAA Club Convent Building; €11,000 for roof and interior works to The Forge, Curragh, Geashill.
Funding will also support works to historic homes and buildings in Tullamore, Birr, Ballycumber, Daingean and Kinnitty.
Under the thatched buildings scheme, grants have been awarded to three traditional thatched properties in Derryweelan, Hawkswood and Killeigh.
Welcoming the announcement, Tony McCormack TD said the funding would make a tangible difference to heritage protection in the county.
“These structures are an important part of Offaly’s local identity and community life, and this investment will help ensure they are maintained and preserved for future generations,” he said.
Deputy McCormack also highlighted the knock-on benefits for local employment, noting that conservation works rely on skilled craftspeople and traditional trades.
John Clendennen TD described the funding as “a very positive outcome for Offaly,” with 25 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,” he said.
Deputy Clendennen added that the investment would also support town and village regeneration across the county.
“Beyond the conservation benefits, this funding supports local employment and traditional skills, while contributing to the regeneration of our towns, villages and rural areas,” he said, adding that he would continue to engage with Ministers and departments to ensure Offaly secures its fair share of future funding.
The Built Heritage Investment Scheme supports essential repair and conservation works to historic structures, including roof repairs, masonry, windows and doors. The scheme is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and administered by local authorities, including Offaly County Council.
Nationally, €8.1 million has been awarded under BHIS, with almost €1.1 million earmarked for thatched buildings. In addition, it is estimated that €35 million in private funding will be invested by property owners, further enhancing the impact of the scheme.