Historic buildings in Donegal to receive over €210,000 in conservation support

Over €210,000 has been announced for the protection of historic buildings in Donegal.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, and Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, made the announcement under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2026. 

A further eight thatched projects have received almost €80,000 funding under the Historic Thatched Buildings grant. 

The Built Heritage Investment Scheme supports the repair, restoration and protection of historic structures from traditional homes to landmark public buildings across Ireland, in our cities, towns and villages and across the wider countryside. The scheme covers restoration work to historic buildings such as roof and wall repairs and works on windows and doors.

The funding is provided by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s National Built Heritage Service and is administered by the local authorities.

Announcing the funding, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, TD, remarked: “This funding under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme will ensure that the architectural legacy of past generations continues to survive in towns, villages, and rural communities in Donegal and across the country.

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“The preservation of our built heritage relies on our taking action today to repair, maintain, and secure the integrity of these buildings with the care and attention they deserve. That is why my Department continues to make substantial funding available under this scheme – as well as through other schemes such as the Historic Structures Fund and Community Monuments Fund - thereby helping to renew and protect the fabric of our architectural heritage with each passing year.

“Along with new initiatives such as the revised Living City Initiative, the improved and expanded Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, the Built Heritage Investment Scheme helps to preserve our past while also securing our future by maximising use of existing building stock and helping to prevent or reverse vacancy, dereliction, and underuse.”

Welcoming the announcement, Pat the Cope Gallagher TD said: “This is a very positive day for Donegal’s built heritage. These grants will support essential conservation works, protect historic structures, and sustain traditional craft skills that are central to our county’s identity.

“Donegal will receive €133,298 under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and €79,368.93 for thatched buildings under the Historic Thatched Buildings stream. These investments will help preserve churches, mills, town landmarks and traditional thatched homes - buildings that tell the story of Donegal’s past and continue to serve our communities today,” he added.

Donegal projects funded today include: Individual projects: Clonleigh Parish Church, Lifford - windows, doors and associated elements €20,000; Fort Stewart, Ramelton - windows, doors and associated elements and roof €16,000; Thatched Cottage, Carndonagh - external walls €10,000; Pettigo Mill, Pettigo - external walls and roof €23,000; St Baithins Church, St Johnston - roof €20,000; Tin Shop, Clar, Donegal Town - interior €10,000; Town Clock, Ballyshannon - windows, doors and associated elements €15,298; Townhouse, The Diamond, Raphoe - windows, doors and associated elements €19,000.

Historic Thatched Buildings (HTB) - roof works: Muineagh, Linsfort, Buncrana - roofs €10,000; Stan Alone House, Glencrow, Moville - roofs €8,000; The Thatch, Birdstown, Ballindrait - roofs €12,000; Jofie’s Cottage, Ballyhillion, Malin Head - roofs €8,000; Monargan, Ardara - roofs €11,368.93; Tullyarb, Carrickafoden, Carndonagh - roofs €10,000; Cronkeerin, Ardara - roofs €10,000; Skippers Cottage, Upper Road, Stroove - roofs €10,000.

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Deputy Gallagher concluded: “These works will protect some of Donegal’s most cherished buildings and ensure they remain part of our living heritage. I commend the owners, local authorities and skilled craftspeople who make these projects possible, and I welcome the Department’s continued commitment to safeguarding Donegal’s historic structures.”