80 traditional farm buildings restored with Heritage Council grants
A total of 80 traditional farm buildings were restored to fully functioning assets on farms across the country in 2025.
Under the Traditional Farm Buildings Grant scheme, the buildings - totalling just under 6,000m2 - received grants from the Heritage Council for their repair and return to functional use
The grant is aimed at supporting the conservation of traditional buildings for renewed agricultural use as part of the normal working life of the farm.
According to a report from the Heritage Council: “The Department of Agriculture recognises that by reusing existing buildings, the scheme contributes to climate change mitigation and the sustainable use of resources and in doing so supports farmers in their endeavours to be more climate resilient.
“Maintenance is the first step in our architectural heritage’s climate resilience and while often not easy to do is probably the most important feature in the long-term survival of any building.”
Maintenance
Previous maintenance is a consideration in assessing grant applications, and ongoing maintenance is a condition of grant offer, which is followed up by departmental inspections.
The works carried out are focused on the conservation principle of minimum intervention.
According to the Heritage Council: "This ethos focuses on keeping historic fabric/materials for both heritage and environmental reasons.
“A 2022 departmental evaluation of the scheme established that the choice of building material and techniques, along with the decision to repair had brought significant climate change benefits which continue to be delivered over the lifetime of the building.
“While the impact overall for climate change was determined to be moderate, this was only due to the small-scale nature of this nationwide scheme.”
The Heritage Council is a state agency that provides policy advice and funding to support awareness and conservation of Ireland’s heritage.
This includes natural, built and cultural heritage, including less tangible elements like traditions and stories.
It also works directly with communities, local authorities, and other groups to support projects that protect and celebrate what makes Ireland unique.
The agency provides grants, helps with planning and conservation, supports education and skills, and runs events like Heritage Week to get people involved.
According to its report: “We’re here to make sure our heritage stays alive, relevant, and valued.”
