If you are planning a project, do email the heritage officer or call 057 9346839 to discuss the options available.
Heritage Projects
Heritage Council Grants
The Heritage Council has a wide range of programmes to assist with projects from local community initiatives. The structure of the grant programmes has changed in 2009 so if you have applied to the programme before - check the new structures. They are also very keen that people would apply on line whenever possible. The three main themes are heritage research, heritage management and outreach and education. Do call the heritage office if you want to discuss any projects - 057 9346839. There is a call for applications in November of each year - so plan ahead.
Offaly Local Development Company
Offaly Local Development Company are inviting applications for 'conservation and upgrading the rural heritage'. This includes natural and built heritage projects but excludes conservation and protection of National Monuments, as defined under the National Monuments Acts 1930 - 2004. For further information contact 057 9322850 or email admin@offalyleader.ie
Conservation of Buildings
Offaly County Council
The Conservation Grant Scheme is operated by Offaly County Council on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. It is provided to assist owners and occupiers to carry out conservation works or repairs on protected structures. The scheme is part of a package of measures introduced by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government to strengthen the protection of the architectural heritage.
Under the scheme, a wide range of conservation works will qualify for grants, generally amounting to 50% of the cost of the works up to a maximum of 13,000 euros and in special circumstances up to 75% and 25,000 euros. Works consisting of routine maintenance will not qualify.
In general the scheme is advertised by Offaly County Council in local papers in January each year. Works must be completed within the same year as the application is made. Details of the scheme and application forms can be obtained from the Planning Section, Offaly County Council, Áras an Chontae, Charleville Road, Tullamore, Co. Offaly.Download 2010 application form. Download Explanation Memorandum.
Heritage Council
The Heritage Council has three grant programmes for the physical conservation of buildings:
Buildings at Risk
Buildings do not have to be protected structures in order to be considered for this programme. The aim of the programme is to safeguard buildings at serious risk , but not yet in a ruinous state. The closing date for submission of application is the 31st March. Currently only roof repairs are being funded. This scheme is fully committed and will not re-open until 2011.
REPS 4 Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme
The grant scheme seeks to protect traditional farm buildings by funding conservation works to the exterior of farm buildings and associated structures. Farmers in the REPS 4 scheme are eligible to apply. The building must be in agricultural use.
The 2010/11 Reps 4 Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme has just opened for applications. The PDFs of the application form and booklet can be download on www.heritagecouncil.ie.
The grant is available for the conservation of the external appearance of farm outbuildings, including roof, walls, window and door repairs. Conservation works to associated structures such as historic yard surfaces, walls, gate pillars and gates will be considered if they are part of the overall project to repair an outbuilding. This grant scheme does not cover works to the interior of buildings. Farmhouses, residential or domestic buildings are not eligible for funding.
Who can apply for this grant scheme:
- A farmer who has a REPS 4 contract with the Department of Agriculture and
- The owner of the building for which funding is sought or applicant is acting with the permission of the owner and
- The building applied for is in agricultural use
- The closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm Friday 26th March 2010.
- The process is competitive and a grant award will not be for more than 75% of the cost of the works with a maximum grant of €25,000.
- Applications made by fax or email to the Heritage Council will not be accepted
- The Heritage Council will inform all applicants of the outcome of their application in writing by end of June 2010.
- Successful applicants will have until summer 2011 to complete project works.
If you have any queries regarding the scheme please contact Anna Meenan at the telephone number below.
Anna Meenan
Project Manager
REPS 4 Traditional Farm Buildings Grants Scheme
The Heritage Council
Church Lane
Kilkenny
Tel: 056 7770777
Special Conservation Grants
This programme is generally for substantial works to properties that are accessible to the public.
Department of Environment Heritage And Local Government
Thatch
A grant of two thirds of the approved cost, up to a maximum of €3,810 is available for owner occupied houses. Contact the Housing Grants Section, DOEHLG, Government Buildings, Ballina, Co. Mayo. Tel: 096 24200 or Locall 1890 305030 - HA2T Memorandum and the HA1/90 Application Form. or see www.environ.ie
Living under Thatch by Barry O'Reilly, 2004, Mercier Press, provides a profile of thatched properties in Offaly and practical advice on how to take care of them. Available from Offaly Historical and Archaeological Society info@offalyhistory.com or through www.mercierpress.ie
Refer to the National Inventory of Ireland website for detailed information regarding Thatch in Ireland - including a recently published report, a list of insurance companies, sourcing thatch materials and contact details for thatchers in Ireland www.buildingsofireland.ie
Civic Structures Grant
The Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government have an annual grant for conservation of Civic Structures. See Circular.
Section 482, Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997
Section 482 provides tax relief to the owner/occupier of an approved building (including surrounding garden), or an approved garden existing independently in respect of expenditure incurred on the repair, maintenance or restoration of the approved building or garden. However certain conditions relating to public access apply. For more details and a list of Section 482 properties in Offaly see list.
Irish Georgian Society
The Irish Georgian Society have a grant scheme - for details email info@igs.ie