The Historic Towns Initiative (HTI) 2020 is a joint undertaking by the Department and the Heritage Council. It builds upon the successful HTI 2018 and 2019 projects, which together funded conservation-led projects in twelve towns across the country.
Administered by The Heritage Council, the Scheme supports the Town Centres First policy set out in the Programme for Government: Our Shared Future (2020).
The HTI 2022 is open for applications from local authorities from 17 December 2021 to 3rd February 2022.
The scheme guidance for 2022 applicants is available to view/download below.
Information Workshop
The Heritage Council will host an information workshop for those interested in applying for the HTI 2022 via Zoom on 13 January 2022. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_N_foVurYSKCRTbWxfvGG-A
View the programme
Aims of the Scheme
The Historic Towns Initiative 2022 aims to provide support to historic towns engaged in a programme of heritage-led regeneration. In 2022 we are particularly interested in projects that address residential vacancy in town centres, that propose the re-use of historic structures and that can act as a demonstrator for future projects. We are introducing two funding Streams for the HTI 2022.
What works are considered for funding under this scheme
Under Stream 1 this year we are seeking proposals for capital works to repair and enhance the heritage of the town through heritage-led regeneration projects designed and implemented by local authorities, projects that encourage private owners and/or occupiers to invest in appropriate conservation-led works and repairs, projects that address dereliction and residential vacancy, the conservation of landmark buildings, streetscape conservation projects, and conservation-led public realm works which encourage investment from other sources. Applications must show how they will build resilience in the historic built environment of the town to enable it to withstand the effects of climate change. Match funding of 20% is required from the local authority or owners under Stream 2.
As set out in the Housing for All (2021) policy we are particularly interested in proposals to bring vacant or underused floor area in historic buildings back into residential use. Grants which specifically address residential reuse by encouraging private owners and/or occupiers to invest in appropriate conservation-led works and repairs and to bring vacant floor area in historic buildings back into residential use may be phased over two years, i.e., 2022 and 2023 subject to a maximum award of €250,000 in total per town. Successful applicants should check their Letter of Offer for details of how funding is to be spent over the two years, where applicable. This letter will include contractual, procurement and governance conditions.
Under Stream 2 this year, we will support applications to deliver a heritage-led regeneration plan (please see above for details of the HTI framework) which will examine the existing heritage of a town and determine what conservation focused interventions are required. The resulting plan should ultimately inform future grant applications. Under Stream 2 we will award up to €40,000 per town for heritage-led regeneration plans. Match funding of 20% is required from the local authority under Stream 2.
Funding available
A total fund of €2 million (capital funding) is available to local authorities under the HTI 2022. A 20% minimum matching contribution will be required (please see below). The extent of matching resources will be taken into account in the assessment of applications.
How to apply
Applications will only be accepted from local authorities. Each local authority may apply for funding for one historic town in their functional area. Applications must be made via the Heritage Council online grants management system by 3rd February 2022. Hard copy or emailed applications will not be accepted.
Further Information
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