Conservation Advice Scheme for Traditional Houses 2026
The National Built Heritage Service is inviting applications for Conservation Advice Scheme for Traditional Houses 2026.
The purpose of the Conservation Advice Scheme is to assist owners of traditional houses obtain expert conservation advice by funding up to 67% – to a maximum of €5,000 – of the cost of a specialist report. Traditional houses, given their age and methods of construction, often require specialist advice or intervention when planning and undertaking conservation works, energy efficiency upgrades or fire safety measures.
Check out the Conservation Advice Scheme Webinar from February 2026 which, for owners, showcases some of the traditional houses which benefitted from previous rounds of the Conservation Advice Scheme and, for professionals, gives tips on best practice when completing the Conservation Advice Report
Having previously been limited to vacant traditional houses, the Conservation Advice Scheme has been expanded and revised to widen eligibility and uptake, including:
- Removing the restriction to vacant traditional houses and opening the scheme to owners of traditional houses which are already occupied;
- Funding fire safety reports where the traditional house is to be converted into multi-occupancy dwellings “above the shop”;
- Opening the scheme to owners of traditional houses availing of the SEAI’s Traditional Homes Pilot to help cover the cost of a pre-works risk assessment aimed at improving energy efficiency while maintaining historical integrity.
Traditional houses qualifying under the Conservation Advice Scheme are:
- Stream 1: Traditional houses in cities, towns and villages where the house is a protected structure and/or in an Architectural Conservation Area. Residential houses and buildings previously used for commercial purposes also qualify where the intended use is a single dwelling or multi-occupancy dwellings “above the shop”.
- Stream 2: Traditional farmhouses where the farmhouse is a protected structure and/or in an Architectural Conservation Area and/or a vernacular farmhouse which has no statutory protection.
By partially offsetting the cost of engaging expert conservation advice, the Conservation Advice Scheme helps owners avoid damage to their traditional houses, benefit from the services of appropriately qualified and skilled tradespeople, and ensure value for money in the completion of their projects.
The deadline for applications for the Conservation Advice Scheme for Traditional Houses is 5pm on Friday 8th May 2026.
Conservation Advice Scheme 2026 Application Form
Stream 1: Conservation Advice Scheme for Traditional Houses in Towns Guidance Booklet for Applicants
Stream 2: Conservation Advice Scheme for Traditional Farmhouses Guidance Booklet for Applicants
Stream 2: Conservation Advice Scheme for Traditional Farmhouses Conservation Advice Report Template