Thinking of conserving a traditional farm building?
Applications are now accepted to the 2025 Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme, which invests in the conservation of traditional farm buildings and structures of significant heritage value.
Run in conjunction by the Heritage Council and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, a total scheme budget of €1.5 million is available for the conservation of traditional farm buildings and structures of significant heritage value. The grant is also available for other related farm structures including historic yard surfaces, gate pillars and gates that form part of a working farm.
The scheme opened to applications, yesterday, January 30 and will remain open until March 10, 2025. A grant award will cover up to 75% of the cost of the works, with a maximum available grant of €30,000.
The scheme is only open to farmers participating in and accepted into the following DAFM schemes:
- Approved participants in ACRES (active ACRES and REAP participants only).
- 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.
- Approved participants of the Organic Farming Scheme.
Announcing the opening of the scheme, Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine, Martin Heydon said: "I am announcing a budget of €1.5 million for the 2025 Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme. This scheme received a prestigious Europa Nostra heritage award in 2024, and I am happy to reaffirm this government’s commitment to supporting conservation efforts."
This scheme, Minister Heydon said, ensures that farmers can continue to renovate and repurpose traditional farm buildings, thereby preserving our history for future generations.
Minister Heydon added: "I encourage all eligible farmers to consider applying for support. This scheme has been a really successful partnership between the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Heritage Council, and I look forward to seeing future completed projects enhancing our landscape."
Also commenting at the opening of the scheme, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, Virginia Teehan said: "The Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme is a beacon of excellence in heritage conservation, having transformed over 1,000 vulnerable farm buildings and farm structures since 2008 into functional assets that remain at the heart of farm life.
"Winning the Grand Prix at the Europa Nostra Awards last year highlights the unique value of this scheme, which not only safeguards Ireland’s built heritage but also empowers farmers with the skills to carry out repairs that protect biodiversity, preserve protected species, and contribute to the sustainability of farming practices for future generations."
For more information and to apply, visit the Heritage Council website.
Also read: Retention and conservation of traditional farm buildings on Mayo farm