Scheme seeks to preserve traditional farm buildings

A grant scheme designed to provide assistance to farmers involved in conserving and securing Ireland’s traditional farm buildings is now open to applications for 2017. The scheme results from a partnership between The Heritage Council and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Grants are offered under the GLAS Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme for approved conservation works to the exterior of farm outbuildings as well as associated structures such as historic yard surfaces, walls, and gates.

The maximum grant is around €25,000 while the smallest is €4,000. Heritage Council project manager Anna Meenan said the scheme offers a rare and positive opportunity to safeguard the rural built and natural heritage and protect the special qualities of the traditional farmstead, while also allowing it to continue in active use.