The Heritage Council has launched its Reps 4 Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme for 2010-2011.

Speaking about the scheme, Isabell Smyth, Communications Manager with the Heritage Council said, “the scheme is designed to provide assistance to those involved in the conservation and preservation of Ireland’s traditional farm buildings. These buildings are so important to the Irish landscape as they reveal a great deal about the way the countryside has evolved and the changing fortunes of farming through the ages.

Unfortunately many our traditional farm buildings have 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”.

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

Under the Council’s 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 and gates).

The Heritage Council administers the REPS 4 grants scheme in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Application packs are available online at www.heritagecouncil.ie . Closing date for applications is 5.00 p.m., Friday 26th march 2010.

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