The Historic Thatched Buildings Grant – HTB / BHIS (part of the Built Heritage Investment Scheme – BHIS) is now open for applications for grant funding for works to the eligible structures as listed below. Guidance on making an application, and the application form can be downloaded below.
Eligible Structures
Any historic thatched structure, including domestic or commercial properties.
Eligible works
Primary Qualifying Works are thatching works to the roof and any necessary work that must be completed as part of these works, such as chimney repairs. Other conservation works to historic thatched properties which fall into the Qualifying Works for the Mainstream BHIS will also be considered – please see separate document listing Qualifying/Non-Qualifying Works for Mainstream BHIS (download below).
Funding Available
The maximum grant available will depend on the type of building and the nature of the applicant (up to €20,000). No applicant is guaranteed a set amount of funding under the scheme in any given year.
About the Historic Thatched Buildings Grant – HTB / BHIS
The purpose of the scheme is to protect the heritage value of historic thatched roof buildings across Ireland, including dwellings and other structures. The Historic Thatched Buildings Grant is part of the Built Heritage Investment Scheme – BHIS.
The HTB / BHIS is administered by Galway City Council Architectural Conservation on behalf of Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage / National Built Heritage Service.
Who can apply
Owners and occupiers of historic thatched buildings, refer to section 3.1 of the downloadable guidance document below.
Preparing an Application
The application form and guidance for applicants is provided below.
Applicants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these documents.
Applications must include all the required documentation listed below:
- Completed Application Form A
- Comprehensive Method Statement for the Works (refer to guidance in the circular below for further information on the content of a method statement)
- Quote for the works (on headed paper from the thatcher)
Applications will not be accepted after the deadline listed below.
Works carried out under the HTB / BHIS must meet all statutory requirements including the need for planning permission. Where works are proposed to sites/monuments protected under the National Monuments Acts 1930-2004, the statutory requirements for notification or for Ministerial consent under those Acts must be complied with.
If you require further information, clarification, or guidance on preparing an application please contact Michael Scott, Executive Architectural Conservation Officer at Galway City Council via conservation@galwaycity.ie, 091 536400, or by calling into the Planning Helpdesk at Galway City Hall, College Road.
Submitting an Application
Completed applications must be submitted to conservation@galwaycity.ie or via the Planning Helpdesk at Galway City Hall, College Road no later than:
4PM, FRIDAY the 26 OF SEPTEMBER 2025
Timeframe to Complete the Works
Successful applications will receive notification of provisional funding awarded in January 2026, with works to be completed by October 2026.
Application and Guidance Documents Downloads: