Farmers will be able to do up old farm buildings, with grant amounts varying between €4,000 and €30,000, under the Traditional Farm Buildings Grant.

The scheme, which will open for applications shortly, will run from 2023 to 2028, the Heritage Council has announced as part of its strategic plan.

The grant will be available for the conservation of traditional farm outbuildings, including roofs, walls, structural repairs, windows and doors. It will also be also available for other related farm structures including historic yard surfaces, walls, gate pillars and gates.

The process is highly competitive and it is expected that 70-80 projects will be supported in 2023.

The Department of Agriculture makes all grant payments on this scheme following certification by the Heritage Council.

A grant award will not be made for more than 75% of the cost of the works, with a maximum available grant of €30,000.

In its strategic plan, the Heritage Council said that further grant schemes are to be established to encourage the energy retrofit of traditional buildings, for biodiversity protection and to raise awareness and initiate training for professionals and amateurs in climate heritage.

The Heritage Council also said that it will support private owners of heritage buildings in fulfilling their central role in managing that heritage.

“A national heritage advisory scheme will be developed. This will encourage private custodians to use heritage-friendly measures and approaches, with assistance from professionals,” it said.

High nature value

The council is set to "provide advice and encourage the development of national policy” on high nature value farming approaches to agriculture, climate heritage policy and biodiversity loss.

“We will work with colleagues to support the design of policies that protect high-carbon habitats and soils, as well as encouraging landowners and farmers to adopt farming practices that sequester carbon,” it said.