Key dates to know if you applied to the Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme

The deadline for applications for the 2017 GLAS Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme closes today at 5pm, with applications only accepted by post.

The grant scheme is run by the Heritage Council, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture.

Grant amounts will vary from €4,000-25,000 and a farmer can apply for a grant award of no more than 75% of the cost of the works.

The grant is available for the conservation of traditional farm outbuildings, including roof, walls, structural repairs, windows and doors.

The grant is also available for other related structures including historic yard surfaces, walls, gate pillars and gates.

It is expected that between 50-70 projects will be supported in 2017, with a particular emphasis on essential repairs while restoration works will have a low priority.

Key dates for the scheme

It is expected that applicants will be notified in mid-February 2017 if their application has been successful or not.

Successful applicants will be required to confirm acceptance of the grant offer within two weeks of the date on the offer letter.

Meanwhile, to claim the award the entire project must be completed by October 31, 2017. As well as this some documentation must be submitted to the Heritage Council by the same date.

A full list of the terms and conditions of the 2017 GLAS Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme is available on the Heritage Council’s website.

It will be up to the applicant to establish whether planning permission, permission under the National Monuments Acts, or other statutory consents are required for the proposed works.

Any grant award in excess of €10,000 will require grantees to produce a current tax clearance certificate or charity number, the Heritage Council has said.

Once a final inspection is carried out by the Heritage Council and all the relevant documentation is in order, applicants can expect grant payments from the Department to be made in either November or December 2017.