Funds are available through the Heritage Council for the conservation of CountyDonegal’s traditional farm buildings.
The aim is to protect traditional outbuildings that are in agricultural use.
County Donegal Heritage Officer Joe Gallagher said: “Traditional farmsteads are an essential, if often undervalued, contributor to local distinctiveness in the CountyDonegal countryside. They are irreplaceable examples of local crafts, skills and techniques and represent an historical investment in materials and energy that can be sustained through conservation and careful re-use. With the changing nature of agriculture in the countryside, the role of farmers in conserving our rural built heritage and regional landscape character and quality is all the more important.”
The Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme will enable approved applicants to carry out a range of approved conservation works. Only essential repairs that conserve character, integrity and waterproofing will be considered. Funds are also available for repair of historic farmyard surfaces, walls, gate pillars and gates that are part of an overall outbuilding project.
The funding is available countrywide under the Rural Environment Protection Scheme 4 (REPS 4) of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. To be eligible a farmer must
(i) have a REPS 4 contract with the Department of Agriculture and be due to receive a REPS payment in respect of 2014
(ii) own or have permission of the owner to undertake the proposed work
(iii) be using the building for agricultural purposes
The grant will cover up to 75% of the cost. Minimum payment is €4,000 and the maximum will be between €18,000 and €20,000. The balance of funding cannot come from any other state source.
Closing date for receipt of applications to the grant scheme is Monday, November 25 at 5pm. Application forms and further information can be obtained from the Heritage Council in Kilkenny on (056) 777 0777. Application forms can also be downloaded from at www.heritagecouncil.ie
(Source – Donegal Now – 30/10/2013)
Old Farm Cottage
Old Farm Out- Buildings
Old Stone Outhouses
Traditionally Built Farm Building
REPS4 – TFBGS – 2012-13 – Information Booklet