The opening of the 2026 Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme was announced on Wednesday 8 April by Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon, with funding of €750,000 in place for the scheme.
The scheme is delivered in partnership between the Department of Agriculture and the Heritage Council, with the aim to conserve traditional farm buildings and structures of significant heritage value that contribute to our rural landscape.
Minister Heydon commented on the announcement: “This funding will ensure that farmers can continue to restore and safeguard our traditional farm buildings, helping to preserve our vernacular history.
“This awardwinning scheme has supported the restoration of more than 1,000 buildings, historic yard surfaces, gates and gate pillars that may have otherwise been left in dereliction. These projects represent an important investment in enhancing our agricultural heritage and our rural communities for many years to come.”
Vital role
Chief executive officer of the Heritage Council Virginia Teehan said: “Since its establishment in 2008, this scheme has played a vital role in safeguarding Ireland’s traditional farm buildings, supporting farmers to conserve these structures while bringing them back into meaningful and sustainable use.
"Its success is recognised at the highest levels in Europe, winning the Europa Nostra, both under the education, training and skills category, and the Grand Prix, in 2024. Over the years, the scheme has become deeply embedded within the farming community.”
An information webinar will be held on 17 April 2026, with registration at www.heritagecouncil.ie.
Applications can be made online at www.heritagecouncil.ie and the closing date for applications is 18 May 2026.
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