The 2011-12 scheme is now open for applications.
The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Friday 1st July 2011.

Traditional farm buildings can make a significant positive contribution to the Irish landscape. Many were laid out using local tried and tested materials, built to patterns and arrangements that made optimum use of resources. They reveal a great deal about the way the countryside has evolved and the changing fortunes of farming through the ages.

Unfortunately many traditional farm buildings are being lost through neglect. Their timely repair prevents dilapidation and the onset of serious structural problems, which may lead to expensive restoration in the future. In partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Heritage Council administers a grants scheme to REPS 4 participants on the conservation and repair of Traditional Farm Buildings.

What is a Traditional Farm Building?

A traditional farm building is a building or part of a building constructed before 1960 for a use associated with agriculture, and built using traditional methods and materials historically found locally such as timber, brick, stone, tile, slate or thatch.

The Grant Scheme

Grants are available to carry out approved conservation works to the exterior of farm outbuildings (roof, outside surface of walls, windows and doors) and associated structures (historic yard surfaces, walls, gate pillars, gates). The grant will not be for more than 75% of the cost of the works. Grant awards will vary between €5,000 and €20,000.The smallest project that could be funded would cost €6,700. The balance of funding may not be from any other State source. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will make all payments in relation to this scheme.

The traditional farm building must have architectural or vernacular heritage character, make a contribution to its setting and not be overwhelmed by large-scale modern buildings. It will be an objective of the scheme that a reasonable geographical spread of grantees across Ireland is achieved.

Eligible Buildings:

Traditional farm buildings which were built for a purpose associated with agriculture (such as housing machinery or animals, or storing or processing crops and food), and which are still used for an agricultural purpose. Buildings which once met the above conditions, but which are currently unused or empty, are also eligible.

Ineligible Buildings:

• Farmhouses, residential or domestic buildings
• Buildings already converted to a non-agricultural use
• Former residential buildings now used as farm buildings.
• Traditional farm buildings which it is intended to convert to a non-agricultural use during the life of the REPS 4 agreement
• Traditional farm buildings that will not be in the ownership or control of the farmer for the life of the REPS 4 agreement.
• Corrugated iron haybarns
• Post 1960 farm buildings such as slatted sheds, milking parlours

Types of works envisaged:

• Repair of a slate, thatch or small-scale corrugated iron roof including their structure
• Re-pointing of stone walls in earth or lime mortar
• Re-plastering of stone walls in lime plaster
• Repair of earthen walls, or parts of walls
• Repair or re-instatement of timber doors or windows
• Structural repairs to prevent walls leaning over

The following may be included as part of a package of works from the above list:

• Repair of dry stone or lime mortared stone boundary walls around the farmyard
• Repair of wrought or cast iron gates
• Repair of stone-paved or cobbled yard or trackway surface
• Repair of gate pillars

Application Procedure

This is a highly competitive grant scheme and there is no guarantee of funding as a result of application. Due to the significant interest and the funding available generally no more than 50 projects a year can be supported. The application must include a description of the buildings(s), a site location map with location of farm building clearly marked in red, and a set of photographs, including one that shows how the building appears from a public place, along with a costed breakdown of the proposed repairs. Priority to be given to repair of building fabric rather than replacement, restoration or reinstatement. Completed applications must be returned directly to the Heritage Council, who will select the most appropriate projects each year. A formal letter of offer will issue to successful applicants, who will be required to sign and return an acceptance sheet before work commences.

Information on the 2011-2012 application pack can be downloaded from the links below.

Please be sure to read the explanatory booklet before completing the application form.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Friday 1st July 2011.

Late applications or applcaitons made by fax or email will not be accepted.

Click here to download an English language copy of the REPS 4 application form in PDF format [PDF 2.2MB]

Click here to download an Irish language copy of the REPS 4 application form in PDF format [PDF 2.3MB]

Click here to download an English language copy of the Heritage Council REPS 4 Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme booklet [PDF 4MB]

Click here to download an Irish language copy of the Heritage Council REPS 4 Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme booklet [PDF 1MB]

Many traditional farm buildings may be home to bats, as well as nesting birds. As these are protected by law, buildings in receipt of a REPS 4 Traditional Farm Buildings Grant may require a bat and/or bird survey before any works commence. The Heritage Council has prepared guidance that the surveyors must follow when undertaking these surveys under this scheme. Click here to to download and view ‘Bat and Bird Survey Guidelines for Traditional Farm Buildings’. [These documents are located in the Wildlife Publications section.]

If you have any queries regarding the scheme please contact Anna Meenan, Project Manager, REPS 4 Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme at Telephone: 056 7770777 orameenan@heritagecouncil.ie