The Government has announced the opening of the 2024 Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme which has an increased budget of €1.5 million.

In partnership with Heritage Council, the scheme invests in the conservation of traditional farm buildings and structures of significant heritage value that contribute to our rural landscape. Many of the supported structures also provide roosting sites for bats and nesting sites for birds.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, said:

"In securing an increased budget of €1.5 million for the 2024 Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme, I reconfirmed the ongoing commitment of this Government to supporting conservation through the sustainable use of resources and materials. This announcement today will again allow farmers to continue to renovate and repurpose traditional farm buildings and will continue to preserve our history.

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"The increase in funding will allow additional applicants to avail of this important scheme and I would encourage everyone with eligible structures to consider applying for it. I look forward to seeing further completed projects enhancing our landscape later this year."

Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, Virginia Teehan said:

"The Heritage Council is very pleased to be administering this innovative scheme that by securing the historic building stock also recognises the role these buildings play as wildlife habitats and as contributors to our rural landscape. We know that many of these buildings can support a great diversity of wildlife, including species of conservation concern and this scheme works with farmers to support, enhance and safeguard the wildlife inhabiting these buildings.

"This grant scheme also actively supports the retention of traditional building skills in Ireland and a particularly satisfying impact uncovered in the evaluation is the increased awareness amongst farmers of their value and their readiness to use them in the future with 96% of farmers surveyed more inclined now to use traditional craftworkers if they needed special works done. This is an impact for the sector with real longevity."