Irish World Heritage sites and Tentative List sites are set to benefit from an additional €350,000 in capital investment funding aimed at their safeguarding. The funding, provided through the continued piloting of the World Heritage Strategic Investment Fund, is available via relevant local authorities to support the conservation, maintenance, protection, and promotion of archaeological and built heritage within UNESCO World Heritage Properties and Tentative List Sites.
The scheme is managed by the National Monuments Service at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in close collaboration with local authorities. It builds on the 2025 pilot fund, which allocated €240,000 to nine projects, and seeks to enhance the protection and management of Ireland’s World Heritage Properties, empower local communities, and raise awareness of World Heritage. Sites across ten counties are eligible to apply.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne highlighted that the 2026 investment scheme continues the success of the 2025 pilot, supports Ireland’s World Heritage Strategy, and assists in the inscription of Tentative List sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Minister of State Christopher O’Sullivan emphasized that the funding protects cultural treasures, supports local communities, encourages tourism, and ensures future generations can experience and learn from Ireland’s heritage.
The 2026 fund offers two streams of support. Stream A provides up to €30,000 for improving understanding, interpretation, and presentation of sites, including access infrastructure or virtual/online resources. Stream B provides up to €100,000 for the protection and conservation of structures, including essential repairs, conservation advice, preparation of Conservation Management Plans, detailed specifications of works, or Archaeological Impact Assessments. Local authorities may submit up to three applications per World Heritage Property or Tentative List Site.
Funding eligibility is based on sites being within the boundaries of a World Heritage Property, a Tentative List site, or a designated buffer zone contributing to Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). Sites must also meet conditions such as inclusion in the Record of Monuments and Places, Sites and Monuments Record, Record of Protected Structures, or Architectural Conservation Areas. Structures under ministerial or OPW ownership are generally excluded unless prior approval is obtained. The scheme ensures that Ireland’s unique heritage receives sustained support for conservation and public engagement.
