Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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120. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will extend the traditional farm buildings grant scheme to include all farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18580/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Traditional Farm Building Scheme was launched in 2016 as an agri-environmental measure under the Rural Development Programme 2014–2020.It built upon the success of the Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme which operated under REPS 4 from 2007 to 2013 and ensured that more than 350 buildings throughout Ireland were conserved for agricultural use.I am delighted to be able to continue it under the new CAP also and recently announced its opening for 2023.

The Scheme works to enhance the contribution traditional farm buildings bring to the rural landscape and our cultural heritage. It provides farmers with a once-off grant for approved conservation work to traditional farm buildings and associated structures. All traditional buildings that are used for agricultural purposes, or available for such use, will be considered as part of the measure. Approved conservation of traditional farm building and other farmyard features, such as pillars and gates may be considered eligible investments.

The Scheme is administered in partnership with the Heritage Council, who evaluate applications, inspect the works, and approve grants for payment. All payments are processed by my Department. The Scheme recently opened for 2023 and I am pleased to report I raised the maximum grant payable from €25,000 to €30,000. I also secured €1.25 million in the budget once again for this grant scheme supporting farmers to secure historic buildings on their farm for the benefit of the wider society.

I am pleased to continue the important partnership between my Department and the Heritage Council, who have been critical to the success of the Scheme. The pooling of resources and expertise is essential to its delivery.

Previously, the scheme was only open to those who were approved participants in GLAS. I widened the potential pool of applicants to farmers participating in the following:

1. Active agri-environment scheme participants including ACRES.
2. EIP Calls 1, 2 and 3, Hen Harrier and Pearl Mussel projects and the Burren Scheme, who were an active participant as of 31^stDecember 2022 or had completed the full term of the contract for the relevant EIP, or have completed a five-year contract, as appropriate.
3. An approved participant (approvals issued February 2023) of the Organic Farm Scheme.