The Government is introducing a new pilot scheme to provide grants for expert conservation advice to owners of vacant farmhouses in private ownership who are availing of and/or considering the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant.
The availability of such expertise was raised at this month’s plenary meeting of Tipperary Council with several councillors supporting a call made by Councillor Anne Marie Ryan for the council to hire a full time Conservation Architect.
Sixteen local authorities employ such personnel to assist with planning applications involving protected structures or older buildings.
The Conservation Advice Grant Scheme for Vacant Traditional Farmhouses will provide grants of up to €7,500 excluding VAT to cover the cost of having a conservation expert conduct a survey, and compile tailored conservation advice for the property owner.
The new scheme is intended to support property owners considering availing of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, which provides funding for the refurbishment of vacant and derelict homes in both rural and urban areas or properties that have previously not been in residential use.
A grant of up to €50,000 to renovate a vacant property is available. It can be used in conjunction with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) grants in refurbishing the property.
