Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 November 2014
1143. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the grant aid that is available for the refurbishment of old farm buildings in Counties Longford and Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41244/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Heritage Council administers a grants scheme to REPS 4 participants, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, on the conservation and repair of traditional farm buildings, called the REPS 4 Traditional Farm Buildings Grants Scheme. Grants are available to carry out approved conservation works to the exterior of farm outbuildings and associated structures, such as historic yard surfaces, walls, gate pillars and gates. While I understand that applications have closed for the 2014 scheme, the Heritage Council may be able to advise about the availability of funding under the scheme in the future. The Heritage Council’s website is www.heritagecouncil.ie.
In 2014, my Department was provided with a once-off allocation of €5m Capital Stimulus funding for a new Built Heritage Jobs Leverage Scheme to assist with works to safeguard protected structures, in private and civic ownership, protected under the Planning and Development Act 2000 - 2012 This scheme, which is supporting works to over 500 protected structures nationally, includes works to agriculture-related buildings and is operated and administered in Longford and Westmeath by Longford County Council and Westmeath County Council respectively.
The scope to provide additional funding for the protection, conservation and development of the State’s heritage is constrained by the current national economic difficulties and the significant reduction in the public finances. However, my Department will continue to provide funding for the protection, conservation and development of our built and natural heritage, in so far as resources allow. My Department is currently considering the funding available for the protection and conservation of the built heritage in 2015 in the context of its overall allocation and I will publish details of funding schemes for 2015 as soon as this is finalised.
