Over the past few weeks, we have received several queries from farmers as to whether their old farm buildings would qualify for the 2018 GLAS Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme.

Here, we look at farm buildings that were restored through the last tranche of the scheme. This was quite a large project, with four different sheds in need of different levels of repair restored.

The deadline to submit applications for the third tranche is 5pm on Friday 24 November, so it is quite a tight window of time to get applications in. Applications, including all accompanying documentation such as photos and maps, must be posted to Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme 2018, The Heritage Council, Church Lane, Kilkenny. More information on the scheme can be found on the Heritage Council website at www.heritagecouncil.ie.

Some ineligible buildings include – but are not limited to – buildings in ruinous condition, corrugated iron hay barns or post-1960 farm buildings such as slatted sheds or milking parlours. Traditional farm buildings which are intended to be converted to a non-agricultural use during the duration of the GLAS contract are also ineligible.

Below is the general types of work that should be carried out under the scheme:

  • Repair of a slate, thatch or small-scale corrugated iron roof including its 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;
  • Structural repairs to prevent walls leaning over/ensure structural stability;
  • Repair or re-instatement of timber doors or windows as appropriate;
  • Repair or renewal of lintels;
  • Repair of loft where it is required to ensure structural stability;
  • Repair of rainwater goods where they are pre-existing.

    • Other farm-related structures may also qualify under the grant, including the repair of features such as dry stone or lime-mortared stone boundary walls around the farmyard, wrought iron gates and stone-paved or cobbled farmyards or trackway surfaces.

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