Over €675,000 awarded for protection of Dublin heritage buildings

Five Dublin projects, including a landmark city theatre, are to benefit from the Historic Structures Fund.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, have announced funding of €675,108 for projects for the repair and protection of five Dublin heritage buildings under the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2026.

Dublin city and county projects are:

• The Ambassador Theatre, Parnell Street, Dublin City – €200,000 awarded for the repair and repointing of stonework, repair of render to façades and also repair to roof, rooflights, rainwater goods and timber windows.
• Abbotstown House, Sport Ireland Campus, Blanchardstown, Co. Dublin – €150,000 awarded for critical conservation works to arrest deterioration of fabric, including dry rot as well as the restoration of windows, doors, façades and local repairs to roof.
• Former Market House, Market Green, Balbriggan – €50,000 awarded for roof repairs to include timber repairs to the overhanging eaves, the repair and replacement of defective cast iron rainwater goods, and the introduction of stainless steel ties at the vertical cracks at the junction between the 19th century building and the later extension.
• St. Finian’s School, Peamount Hospital, Peamount Road, Co. Dublin – €90,108 awarded for conservation of the external envelope of the building (flat roofs, walls and windows).
• Gate House, Howth Castle, Co Dublin – €185,000 awarded for essential structural repairs to the 16th century gate house, consolidation of masonry

Announcing the funding this week, Minister Browne said:

“The award of funding under the Historic Structures Fund is a demonstration of our commitment to preserving and enhancing Ireland’s architectural legacy.

Along with the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, this Government is continuing its commitment to safeguard our built heritage, keeping many buildings in use and helping to bring many others back into use.

The funding also supports the survival of the skills and expertise needed to maintain our built heritage and this will also have an economic benefit by generating employment for heritage contractors and other skilled crafts and tradespeople across the country.”

Minister O’Sullivan said:

“Communities across the country know the value of our built heritage, and many of them dedicate their time, passion and expertise to ensuring their protection. I’m proud as Minister for Heritage to be able to support their work through schemes like the Historic Structures Fund.

“This grant can make the difference between a cherished heritage building falling into disrepair or being restored and valued as part of a thriving streetscape. I know this funding will have a huge impact around the country and I look forward to seeing the results for myself over the coming months and years.”

Alongside other heritage funding streams such as the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the recently re-opened Conservation Advice Grant Scheme, the Historic Structures Fund aims to conserve, protect, and promote the use of historic buildings across our cities, towns, villages, and countryside.

This year, 40 projects across Ireland will benefit from over €4.42million in HSF funding. The scheme operates on a match-funding basis with owners and custodians of historic buildings obliged to contribute towards the final cost of works.