Skip the NI Direct Bar
Skip navigation

Significant Funding Boost For Historic Buildings - Attwood

Environment Minister Alex Attwood today raised the cap on grant-aid for listed buildings from £50,000 to £150,000.
~ Monday, 23 January 2012

This will come as a significant boost for owners of listed buildings and it will open up the opportunity for many more listed buildings to get improvement works.

The Minister has been able to make this happen through good financial management of his existing budget.

Alex Attwood said: “This is a real boost for our historic buildings. They are a jewel in the crown of our tourism industry. The record numbers who passed through their doors during European Heritage Open Days is testament to that.

“Obviously there are many demands on the public purse in Northern Ireland. But I want to do everything in my power to ensure that we preserve these historic buildings for present and future generations. Their tourism potential is great so it was good that I was able to secure some additional funding for this important grant-aid scheme.”

As part of Programme For Government, DOE is committed to 'protecting and enhancing our environment and natural resources'.

Frank Robinson, Chair of the Historic Building Council, welcomed the increase in the capping.

Notes to editors:

  1. The £50,000 cap on grant-aid was introduced in May 2011.
  2. There are c8200 listed buildings across Northern Ireland.
  3. Information on the scheme and eligibility to apply may be found at the Northern Ireland Environment Agency website.
  4. The current budget for grant-aid is £3.246miilion.
  5. The scheme is administered by the Built Heritage Directorate of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.
  6. All media enquiries should be directed to the DOE Communications on 028 9025 6058. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.