Applications for Traditional Farm Building Grants Scheme opens

MINISTER for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, has announced the opening of the 2024 Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme.

The grant scheme is run in partnership with the Heritage Council and invests in the conservation of traditional farm buildings and structures of significant heritage value that contribute to our rural landscape.

Applications must be made online at www.heritagecouncil.ie An information webinar will be held on March 1 at 12pm, registration at www.heritagecouncil.ie

The closing date for receipt of online applications is Wednesday, March 27, at 5pm and the scheme’s terms and conditions and the online application form are available at www.heritagecouncil.ie.

The scheme funds the conservation and preservation of traditional farm buildings and structures such as historic yard surfaces, gates and gate pillars as part of the working farm.

Many of the supported structures also provide roosting sites for bats and nesting sites for birds.

Speaking on the announcement, Minister Charlie McConalogue, said:

“In securing an increased budget of €1.5 million for the 2024 Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme, I reconfirmed the ongoing commitment of this government to supporting conservation through the sustainable use of resources and materials. This announcement today will again allow farmers to continue to renovate and repurpose traditional farm buildings and will continue to preserve our history.

“The increase in funding will allow additional applicants to avail of this important scheme and I would encourage everyone with eligible structures to consider applying for it. I look forward to seeing further completed projects enhancing our landscape later this year.”

Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, Virginia Teehan commented: “The Heritage Council is very pleased to be administering this innovative scheme that by securing the historic building stock also recognises the role these buildings play as wildlife habitats and as contributors to our rural landscape.

“We know that many of these buildings can support a great diversity of wildlife, including species of conservation concern and this scheme works with farmers to support, enhance and safeguard the wildlife inhabiting these buildings.

“This grant scheme also actively supports the retention of traditional building skills in Ireland and a particularly satisfying impact uncovered in the evaluation is the increased awareness amongst farmers of their value and their readiness to use them in the future with 96% of farmers surveyed more inclined now to use traditional craftworkers if they needed special works done.

“This is an impact for the sector with real longevity.”