Applicants to the 2024 Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme (TFBS) have one week left to submit their applications.

The scheme, which is for the conservation and repair of traditional farm buildings and related structures has been open for applications since February 22.

Online application forms and the required supporting documents must be submitted to the Heritage Council by Wednesday, March 27 at 5:00p.m.

In 2024, participants in the following Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) schemes will be eligible to apply:

Approved participants the Agri Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES);
Participants in European Innovation Partnership (EIP) calls one, two and three, Hen Harrier and Pearl Mussel projects, and The Burren Programme who were an active participant as of December 31, 2022, or had completed the full term of the contract for the relevant EIP, or have completed a five-year project as appropriate;
Approved participants of the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS).

Applicants must also be the owner of the building/other related structure for which funding is sought or are acting with the permission of the owner (owner consent must be provided).

The DAFM has allocated €1,500,000 to this scheme in 2024. The minimum grant amount offered will be €4,000 and the maximum, €30,000.

The grant will not be for more than 75% of the cost of the approved works. (Some grants will be for less than 75% of the cost of the approved works).

The smallest project that could be funded would cost in the region of €5,400. The balance offunding may not be from any other state source.

LEADER funding cannot be obtained for the conservation works in addition to a grant under this scheme.

You can apply through the Heritage Council’s online grants management system.

Paper forms are not provided or accepted, only applications submitted online will be accepted.

To consider your application, the Heritage Council must receive your online application along with required supporting documents by March 27, 2024 at 5:00p.m.

Applications or required supporting documents cannot be submitted after this time.

The following documents must be uploaded in support of an application by the stated closing date:

A location map so that we could get to your building/other related structure from a
Regional road
Clear and current photograph(s) of the exterior;
Clear and current photograph(s) of the interior (if applying for building);
Clear and current photograph(s) of any parts in need of repair;
Clear and current photograph(s) of building or other related structure in its
wider surroundings in the countryside.
Clear and current photograph(s) of public view (if answer to question on application is yes)
A quotation, or cost breakdown, detailing materials and costs (You must upload copies of quotations, estimates or other evidence to support the figures and costs you provide in the budget table of the online application form);
Consent of owner (as appropriate).

The Heritage Council will contact all applicants in writing to advise of the outcome of applications by the end of May 2024.

If your application is successful, you will be responsible for all costs related to the project.

Successful applicants will have two weeks to inform the Heritage Council of their decision to accept or reject a grant.

You will have until the first week of November 2024 to complete your project unless wildlifeconsiderations apply (e.g., bats) when a short extension may be granted.