Are Heritage Grants Enough, or Do Protected Structures Also Need Specialist Insurance Support?
Posted 10/02/2026
By Irish Heritage Insurance Services
There’s always a sense of relief when funding is announced for the repair and restoration of historic buildings. It’s a positive step, but for owners of protected structures, it also raises an important question about how those buildings will be protected long after the grants have been spent.
Recent announcements of over €140,000 in grant funding for the restoration of historic buildings in County Mayo are a welcome reminder of the growing recognition of Ireland’s built heritage. (Heritage, 2025) These grants, awarded under national conservation schemes, will support essential works to roofs, windows, masonry and other critical elements of protected structures and historic buildings.
As the Minister of State for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Alan Dillon TD, said in announcing the funding: “Heritage buildings are anchors in our communities. This investment strengthens our towns, supports local craftspeople, and preserves the character of Mayo’s historic buildings.”
At Irish Heritage Insurance Services, we see first-hand how valuable these grants are. However, we also recognise that grant funding alone is not enough to properly safeguard heritage properties for the long term.
So the real question for owners of protected structures is this:
How do grants and specialist insurance work together to truly protect Ireland’s architectural heritage?
Insurance Protects the Investment
Government-backed heritage grants play a vital role in helping owners carry out necessary conservation works. They acknowledge the responsibility that comes with owning a protected structure and the additional costs involved in maintaining traditional buildings.
However, grants are typically project-specific and time-limited. They do not cover unforeseen damage, ongoing risk, or the full cost of reinstatement should a serious incident occur.
This is where specialist heritage insurance becomes essential.
At Irish Heritage Insurance Services, we provide bespoke insurance solutions designed specifically for heritage homes, protected structures and historic buildings. Our cover recognises that these properties are fundamentally different from standard modern buildings, in construction, materials, craftsmanship and regulatory obligations.
Owners are often surprised to discover that standard home insurance doesn’t take account of the regulatory onus on owners to reinstate and repair these buildings with the same materials and methods.
Our role is to ensure that conservation work supported by grants is not put at risk by inadequate or inappropriate cover.
How We Support Grant-Funded Properties
We work closely with owners before, during, and after conservation projects to help ensure insurance remains suitable throughout. Our approach includes:
- Helping you find a specialist surveyor so your rebuild costs are accurate
- Offering guidance on the insurance considerations of grant-funded works, including temporary risks during restoration
- Arranging cover appropriate for protected structures
By aligning insurance with conservation requirements, we help safeguard both the building and the investment made through grant funding.
