Over €140,000 in funding secured for restoration of historic buildings in Mayo

Eight historic buildings across County Mayo are set to benefit from more than €140,000 in conservation and repair funding under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2026, the Minister of State for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Alan Dillon TD, has announced.

A total of €141,529 has been awarded to Mayo County Council as part of a national €8.1 million programme supporting 696 heritage projects throughout Ireland.

The scheme, administered by local authorities and funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s National Built Heritage Service, assists owners and custodians of protected structures with essential repairs and conservation works, helping to safeguard the architectural character of towns, villages and rural communities.

The Built Heritage Investment Scheme provides grants ranging from €2,500 to €50,000 for the repair and conservation of structures protected under the Planning and Development Acts.

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It also includes dedicated funding streams for colloquial buildings and historic shopfronts. The initiative aims to deliver a significant number of conservation projects nationwide while supporting employment for skilled conservation professionals, craftspeople and tradespeople.

Welcoming the funding, Minister Dillon said the investment demonstrates the Government’s commitment to protecting Mayo’s built heritage while supporting local jobs in traditional building skills.

“Heritage buildings are anchors in our communities. This investment strengthens our towns, supports local craftspeople, and preserves the character of Mayo’s historic buildings. I’m delighted to see such a strong spread of funding across Castlebar, Ballina, Kiltimagh and Mulranny,” he said.

Projects approved in Mayo include conservation works at the Church of the Holy Family in Kiltimagh (€25,250) for rainwater disposal and window repairs.

In Castlebar, funding has been awarded to the Christian Fellowship Church on Rock Square for essential maintenance works (€25,250) and to Christ Church on Church Street for window repairs (€8,400).

Ballina will see four projects supported, including roof and interior works at Belleek Castle (€25,250), repairs to the Sisters of Mercy Convent on McDermott Street (€24,250), and window repair works at No. 9 Pearse Street and the former Church of Ireland School on Kevin Barry Street (both €11,043).

In Mulranny, a thatched cottage has received €11,043 for roof works.

Minister Dillon also highlighted the national importance of the scheme, noting that the €8.1 million will help repair, restore and protect historic structures across Ireland, from family homes to landmark public buildings, while sustaining traditional building skills that are central to the country’s cultural identity.

“These grants not only conserve our heritage but also sustain and develop traditional building skills that are central to our cultural identity,” he said.

The Minister acknowledged the role of Mayo County Council’s Heritage and Conservation teams in assisting applicants and guiding projects through the assessment process.

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