Conserving Ireland’s Architectural Heritage: New Life for historic buildings and places through a Shared Culture of Adaptation & Reuse

Ireland takes over the EU Presidency in July 2026, and an extensive architectural programme titled ‘Value for Many’, led by Conor Sreenan the State Architect, OPW is planned. As part of this year of events, the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland, the European Commission Representation in Ireland, with the Irish Georgian Society and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s National Built Heritage Service, will deliver a conference, entitled ‘Conserving Ireland’s Architectural Heritage New Life for historic buildings and places through a Shared Culture of Adaptation & Reuse’

You are invited to this inspirational day of engaging presentations on heritage-led projects delivered by international speakers and acclaimed Irish practitioners. This conference promotes a culture of adaptation & re-use as a shared approach to achieving a carbon neutral continent 2050 responding to climate change, housing supply and wider societal needs.

As part of the overall day, the EU policy context and vision will be provided by the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland, and the European Commission, and Europa Nostra.

Culture Compass for Europe places culture at the heart of policy making, and this is evident in the alignment of EU policy i.e. the EU Affordable Housing Plan, the European Building Performance Directive and the spirit of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) (sustainable, inclusive, beautiful).

Europe must lead a cultural shift to achieve inclusive, sustainable and quality-driven transformation of buildings and places, prioritising the reuse of existing building stock alongside new construction - avoiding unnecessary demolitions and waste, enabling circular economy and traditional skills and prioritising good practices in repair and maintenance.