Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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380. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the grant aid currently available to persons for the purpose of conservation of traditional farm outbuildings, including roof, walls, structural repairs, windows and doors but who currently do not have a GLAS contract with his department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32641/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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GLAS is a voluntary Scheme which is open to all farmers.   One of the associated benefits of having an approved GLAS contract is that farmers may apply for the GLAS Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme. This Scheme builds upon the success of the Heritage Buildings Scheme which operated under REPS 4, a predecessor of GLAS, and seeks to ensure that small traditional farm buildings and structures are restored and conserved for renewed practical agricultural use as part of the normal working life of the farm.

The conservation and restoration of these buildings and structures also deliver a range of other benefits with a strong environmental component.  These include contributions to the preservation of rural landscapes, to enhancement of biodiversity and to climate change. Linking these contributions directly to a wider GLAS commitment was crucial to the successful negotiation of this measure as part of Ireland's Rural Development Programme.

While my Department has no similar scheme in respect of traditional farm buildings on non-GLAS farms,  I am aware that The Heritage Council operate a broadly-based ‘Heritage Management Grant Scheme’ that is open to all, and which may provide some opportunities for non-GLAS farmers.  In addition, the Revenue Commissioners, in conjunction with the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs, allow tax relief for expenditure on works of repair, maintenance or restoration to approved historic properties and gardens, which can be a very significant assistance to qualifying farms.

  The Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, through the local authorities, also provide assistance for appropriate conservation work to eligible structures in respect of buildings contained on the Record of Protected Structures and in Architectural Conservation Areas. 

Information on all these supports are freely available through the usual channels, including the various Government and local authority websites.