Minister McConalogue encourages people to vote for the Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme in the Europa Nostra Public Choice award

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D, has reminded everyone that voting is open for the Public Choice element of the Europa Nostra Heritage awards.

Earlier this year the Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme was honoured with the prestigious European Heritage Award 2024. This recognition celebrates the outstanding contribution of the scheme to the preservation and enhancement of Ireland’s agricultural vernacular heritage. There were award winners in a number of different categories, and there is now an opportunity for the general public to select an overall winner.

The Minister said:

The scheme also acknowledges farm buildings’ important role in shaping the cultural landscape, and actively contributes to the continuation of traditional crafts in modern society. The award is a tribute to the ongoing stellar work of the Heritage Council and the teamwork between it and my own Department.”

Minister McConlogue concluded by saying:

ENDS

Europa Nostra was founded on 29 November 1963 in Paris. For almost 60 years, it has worked to celebrate, protect and advocate for cultural heritage. Covering over 40 countries, Europa Nostra is recognised as the largest and the most representative heritage network in Europe. It maintains close relations with the European Union, the Council of Europe, UNESCO and other international bodies. More information is available at https://www.europanostra.org/organisation/

The Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme supports the conservation of traditional farm buildings and other related structures of significant heritage value. The Department, by providing grants for the repair and conservation of these buildings, helps to preserve the unique character and history of Ireland’s agricultural landscape. Restoring these buildings can also improve habitats and biodiversity, particularly for certain protected wildlife species, such as bats and birds.

The scheme has successfully conserved over 1,000 traditional farm buildings, ensuring that these structures continue to tell the story of Ireland's agricultural & vernacular history. Emphasizing the use of traditional building techniques and materials, the scheme promotes sustainability and the conservation of skills and craftsmanship.

The scheme fosters a sense of pride and ownership among local communities, encouraging them to participate in the preservation of their heritage. It also enhances the significant positive contribution that traditional farm buildings make to the Irish rural landscape.

The Heritage Council is an independent body established under the Heritage Act 1995. It is dedicated to promoting the identification, protection, preservation and enhancement of the national heritage. The Council works with a wide range of partners to ensure that heritage is valued and enjoyed by all.

For more information about the Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme, please visit Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme - The Heritage Council

The EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is a partnership between society and agriculture that ensures a stable supply of food, safeguards farmers’ income, protects the environment and keeps rural areas vibrant. EU countries implement the CAP at national level with a CAP Strategic Plan for the period 2023 – 2027.

The Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme is co-funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the EU.

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