Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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The Conservation Advice Grant Scheme for Vacant Traditional Farmhouses is primarily a built heritage scheme, intended to support the conservation of an important and historically neglected part of our traditional building stock. I am pleased to note that it may also make a contribution to our broader efforts to tackle vacancy and dereliction.

Owners of traditional farmhouses often undertake renovation works without professional advice, and may carry out unnecessary demolition or use materials that damage the historic fabric of the building. In general this results in a loss of historic character and, in some cases, further expenditure for the owner. It is hoped that these outcomes can be avoided through the timely provision of expert advice.

As is noted, this is a pilot scheme which intends to trial the provision of conservation grants for vacant historic buildings. My Department is examining options for extending the scheme beyond vernacular farmhouses, to cover a wider range of historic buildings in both urban and rural areas, subject to appropriate sanction and to the estimates process.

In the meantime, I would call attention to the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Historic Structures Fund, grant programmes offered by my Department which fund conservation works in a wide range of historic buildings. €9m is being allocated to these schemes for 2024. The application window for both these schemes is currently open, and all applications should be made to the relevant local authority.