Date: 04 Apr 2025
Donegal Receives over €490,000 in funding for built heritage
Three conservation grant schemes have been recently announced in relation to funding to support twenty-one heritage buildings throughout Donegal.
The Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan announced on the 27th March that over €3.5 million will be awarded to 28 projects throughout the country to help repair and protect landmark buildings as part of this year’s Historic Structures Fund (HSF) two of which are in Donegal.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne said:
“I am delighted to see this fresh round of HSF grants, which will enhance the character and amenity of our cities, towns, villages, and countryside. I am particularly heartened to see disused historic buildings being given a new lease of life meeting the needs of communities across the country.”
This is certainly the case for the two successful applications in Donegal. The first of which is for the vacant former Prior Endowed School in Lifford. This building is fondly remembered by members of the local community. The Council are working on plans to bring this building back into use as the Donegal County Archives. This fine structure has received €130,000 to secure the roof and rainwater goods as well as repairs to the stonework and windows which will be match funded by Donegal County Council.
The second successful grant award under the HSF was to a private owner of a large derelict mill building in Ramelton. The €150,000 grant award will repair the roof which will in turn help bring this vacant building back into use providing three residential units in the centre of this picturesque heritage town.
This news has come shortly after the Minister of State for Nature, Heritage, and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, announced last month the recipients of the 2025 Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and Historic Thatch Building (HTB) 2025 grants. These schemes provide essential funding to safeguard Ireland’s Protected Structures and historic buildings, ensuring their conservation into the future. Donegal received €133,702 under Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2025 for nine structures supporting vital works such as the repair of historic roofs, walls, and chimneys, for buildings throughout the county. Donegal also received €79,368 under the Historic Thatched Building Grant Scheme 2025 which will help ten thatched properties in various locations throughout the County, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to preserving Ireland’s iconic thatched buildings.
