Over 500 applications have been received for the first tranche of GLAS Traditional Farm Building Scheme, according to the Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed.

It is a considerable number of applications, considering the first tranche of the scheme was only open for one month.

The scheme supports the conservation of traditional farm buildings on GLAS-approved farms and is jointly funded by my Department and the European Union, and is administered by the Heritage Council on behalf of my Department.

According to the Minister, the Heritage Council is currently validating and evaluating all of these, ranking each application in accordance with the selection criteria published as part of the Scheme documentation.

When that process is complete, they will notify all applicants of the outcome of their own application in due course.

The Scheme remains open for the whole RDP period and anybody unsuccessful in the first tranche is free to apply again under the next, the Minister said.

GLAS is the new agri-environment scheme for Irish farmers, to which nearly 40,000 farmers have already signed-up, and this new element to that scheme will help ensure that small traditional farm buildings and other structures, which are of significant cultural and heritage value, are restored and conserved for renewed practical agricultural use.

Key Details

  • Open to GLAS farmers only
  • Grants awarded will not exceed 75% of the cost of the works
  • Maximum grant of €25,000
  • Minimum grant of €4,000

To be eligible for the scheme, buildings and other related structure must have architectural or vernacular heritage character and make a contribution to their setting.

Approved works

Grants will be made available to GLAS participants to carry out approved conservation works to traditional farm buildings including:

  • Roofs.
  • Outside surface of walls.
  • Windows and doors.
  • Grants will also be available for other related structures.
  • Historic yard surfaces.
  • Landscape features around the farmyard such as walls, gate pillars and gates.