From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
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Minister encourages people to vote for the Scheme for the follow on Public Choice award
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D, welcomed the announcement that the Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme has been 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.
The Minister said: "I am delighted that the Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme has been honoured with the European Heritage Award / Europa Nostra Award 2024. My Department co-funds the scheme under the Rural Development Programme, and it is administered by the Heritage Council. The scheme protects farm buildings which are heritage assets that may sometimes be under-appreciated, and we are proud to work with the owners who feel a sense of guardianship for these buildings.
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. This award is a tribute to the ongoing stellar work of the Heritage Council and the teamwork between it and my own Department.”
The European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards were launched in 2002 by the European Commission, and have been run by Europa Nostra ever since. The awards honour up to 30 outstanding heritage achievements every year, from which up to five Grand Prix winners will be selected to receive a monetary award of €10,000.
Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, Virginia Teehan, said:
"We are very proud of the Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme, now in its 15th year, and with the hugely successful collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The scheme perfectly embodies our commitment to natural, built, and cultural heritage. By protecting wildlife habitats during works, restoring these beautiful old buildings using traditional skills, and preserving the stories and history they carry, the scheme has revived numerous structures that might otherwise have been lost. The recognition it is receiving now on a European scale is a testament to its success and can hopefully offer inspiration to others."
The awards jury were very complimentary of the scheme, saying: “The Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme is commendable for its wide-reaching, high-impact and holistic approach, which demonstrates integrated policies at work. Its emphasis on peer-to-peer learning has brought together diverse stakeholders, including owners, local communities, conservationists, craftspeople and ecologists, creating meaningful connections and mutual understanding.”
Minister McConlogue concluded by saying: “On 30 May, Europa Nostra will launch the voting for a Public Choice Award. I encourage members of the public to cast their vote for the Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme on vote.europanostra.org .”
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
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 Organisation - Europa Nostra
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, this measure 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 period2023 – 2027.
The Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme is co-funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the EU.
For more information, visit www.gov.ie/cap