Planning Authority Launches €30 Million ‘Irrestawra Darek 2026’ Grant

The Planning Authority has officially launched the Irrestawra Darek 2026 Grant Scheme, a national initiative aimed at preserving Malta and Gozo’s historic built environment through the restoration of traditional façades and scheduled heritage structures located within Urban Conservation Areas. With €30 million made available over six months, this year’s edition marks one of the most significant national investments in architectural conservation.

Safeguarding Malta’s Architectural Legacy

The scheme provides financial assistance to owners, tenants and NGOs to restore and maintain traditional façades and architectural elements. Through these efforts, the initiative supports:

• Heritage preservation through high quality restoration
• Enhanced village cores and improved urban aesthetics
• Community wellbeing, increased craftsmanship opportunities and cultural tourism
• Environmental benefits through adaptive reuse and reduced demolition waste

€30 Million Distributed Across Regions

Funding is allocated regionally and launched on a staggered basis to ensure orderly uptake:

• Reġjun Punent €4.5m
• Reġjun Nofsinhar €5m
• Reġjun Għawdex €1.5m
• Reġjun tal Port €9m
• Reġjun Tramuntana €3.5m
• Reġjun Lvant €6.5m

The financial allocation per region reflects the number of traditional dwellings within each region. Unused funds may be reallocated based on uptake.

Application Details for Residents of Reġjun Punent

The scheme opens first in Reġjun Punent, covering the following localities:
L Imdina, Is Siġġiewi, Ħaż Żebbuġ, Ħad Dingli, Ir Rabat, Ħal Kirkop, L Imqabba, Il Qrendi, Ħal Safi and Iż Żurrieq.

Phase 1 Expression of Interest

Residents of Reġjun Punent may submit their expression of interest from 28 January 2026 until 18 February 2026.

Applications may be submitted online via the Planning Authority website or in person. During this phase, the Authority will verify eligibility and request site plans where necessary.

Once the application period for Reġjun Punent closes, a new application period for another region will start and there will again be a three week application period.

Phase 2 Full Application Request for Funding

Applicants who pass Phase 1 will be invited to submit:

• Detailed site plans
• Photographs
• Method statements
• Bills of quantities and cost estimates
• Ownership or consent declarations, including multi owner declarations

Submissions will undergo technical assessment by the Heritage Planning Unit and evaluation by the Development Fund Committee.

Funding Available

Applicants may benefit from the following national funding caps:

• €15,000 Properties within Urban Conservation Areas
• €50,000 Grade 2 scheduled properties within an Urban Conservation Area
• €100,000 Grade 1 scheduled properties within an Urban Conservation Area

Monitoring, Payments and Completion

Once approved, applicants must file a commencement notice at least five days before starting works and ensure all permits are in hand.

Payments are made directly to beneficiaries:

• Single full payment for heritage buildings
• Up to three phased payments for scheduled buildings

Projects must be completed within 48 months from the date of the letter of conditional approval.

Property Eligibility Check

Applicants may verify eligibility through:

• Mapserver tool on www.pa.org.mt
• Scheduled Property Register
• Direct assistance via phone on 2290 0000 or email at irrestawradarek@pa.org.mt

More information can be found here.

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