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Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
An annual grants scheme for the conservation and repair of traditional farm buildings and related structures.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine co funds the scheme under the Rural Development Programme and it is administered by the Heritage Council.
The principal objective of this scheme is to ensure that traditional farm buildings and other related structures that contribute to the character of the landscape and are of significant heritage value are conserved for active agricultural use.
The scheme has been successful in conserving over 1,000 traditional farm buildings, ensuring that these structures continue to tell the story of Ireland's agricultural and vernacular history for many generations to come. Emphasis is put on the use of traditional building techniques and materials, so the scheme not only conserves these buildings but also promotes sustainability and the conservation of skills and craftsmanship
The grant is available for the conservation of traditional farm outbuildings, including roof, walls, structural repairs, windows and doors. The grant is also available for other related farm structures including historic yard surfaces, walls, gate pillars and gates.
The key conservation principle of minimum intervention applies, that is, carrying out a repair to fix what is wrong but not setting out to do too much work. Works which are, in the opinion of the Heritage Council, restoration works, are very unlikely to be supported with grant aid. The process is highly competitive and it is expected that 70-80 projects will be supported this year.
In 2024 grant amounts varied between €4,000 and €30,000. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine makes all grant payments on this scheme following certification by the Heritage Council. A grant award will not be for more than 75% of the cost of the works with a maximum available grant of €30,000. Please note some grants will be for less than 75% of the cost of the approved works.
The Scheme was only open to farmers participating in and accepted into the following Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine schemes:
1. Approved participants in ACRES. The Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine have confirmed those awaiting confirmation on their ACRES application can apply pending approval.
2. Participants in EIP (European Innovation Partnership) Calls 1, 2 and 3, Hen Harrier and Pearl Mussel Projects and The Burren Programme who were an active participant as of 31st December 2022 or had completed the full term of the contract for the relevant EIP, or have completed a five-year contract, as appropriate.
3. Approved participants of the Organic Farming Scheme
and
Are the owner of the building/other related structure for which funding is sought or are acting with the permission of the owner (in which case the owner must provide consent).
No, The 2024 Traditional Farm Buildings grant scheme closed for applications on 27th March 2024. Applications will not be accepted after this time. Applicants will be informed in writing, whether their application is successful or not in May 2024
While the scheme is now closed but you can view the most recent information pack and further information at https://www.heritagecouncil.ie/projects/traditional-farm-buildings-grant-scheme
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, with the Traditional Farm Building Scheme selected this year.
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.
The awards jury was very complimentary of Ireland’s Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme, saying that the 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 community, conservationists, craftspeople and ecologists, creating meaningful connections and mutual understanding.”