07/04/2016

Coveney Reveals GLAS Farms Building Conservation Scheme

A new grant-aid scheme to conserve traditional buildings on GLAS farms has been announced by Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney.

GLAS is a new new agri-environment scheme for Irish farmers, to which nearly 40,000 have already signed-up for.

The new grant will help ensure small traditional farm buildings and other structures of significant value are restored and conserved for renewed practical agricultural use.

Awarded grants will not exceed 75% of the cost of works, with a maximum of €25,000 and a minimum grant of €4,000 being made.

Approved conservation works to farm buildings include roofs, outside surface of walls, windows and doors.

Funding is also available for other related heritage structures such as historic yard surfaces and landscape features around the farmyard such as walls, gate pillars and gates.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney said: "These building have been an integral part of our agricultural heritage for generations, and their contribution to the character and beauty of the Irish landscape cannot be overstated," he said.

"This is not about creating museum pieces. These buildings can and should play an ongoing role in the economic life of Irish farms, as well as helping to enhance the landscape, the environment and local biodiversity."

The scheme is jointly funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the European Union and will be administered by the Heritage Council on behalf of the Department.

The deadline for completed application forms is Friday, 06 May 2016.

(LM)

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