'The scheme' helped restore this 130-year-old farm building in Dysart

A drystock farmer based in Dysart recently availed of a grant scheme to preserve the character and heritage of his farm, by restoring an old farm building on his land which dates back to the 1890s.

Anthony Carty from Killucan bought the farm in Dysart six years ago, and is in the process of converting to organic farming, but another of his main objectives is to retain the character of a building which was used for calf rearing and storage for over 130 years.

"The precise age of the building is unknown, however, the building in question first appears on OSI maps in the 1890s," begins Anthony.

"In recent years, the loft and sections of the roof fell into disrepair, so I was concerned about the stability of the roof and applied for assistance from the Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme to assist in funding its repair.

"The scheme focuses on the renewal and repair of existing structures, rather than complete replacement, and sensitive conservation is a big part of the scheme."

Speaking of what is required to avail of the scheme, which is delivered through Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Anthony explains that a bat and bird survey first had to be completed to ensure the repair work did not interfere with their natural habitat.

"This was carried out by wildlife specialist Donna Mullen, who set up sensors to monitor the bat’s behaviour. The survey confirmed that there were swallows also nesting in the roof of the building, so work could not start until October.

"In terms of the process, an initial application outlining the works had to be completed with estimates of costs supported by pictures, and we sent this to the Heritage Council. It's important to show minimum intervention and the reuse of existing materials where possible," he continues.

The project also required oversight by a conservation architect, and Anthony availed of Jane Meade of Meade Architects to provide the service.

"The loft was badly damaged by dry rot and had to be completely replaced with new timbers matching the existing sizes and methods. The old slates were removed, the lats replaced, while some of the rafters and collars were able to be repaired and a lot of them could be reused.

"I plan to continue to use the building for farm storage and a workshop area, but without the help of the Heritage Council and the funding provided by the department, it would not have been possible to maintain this building, which will now remain for future generations, and it will definitely see another 130 years.

"I would encourage any landowners with old farm buildings to consider applying for the funding. It will not only preserve their buildings, but will also ensure that the character of our area and local heritage is maintained and preserved."

For more information in relation to the Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme, visit the Heritage Council’s website, heritagecouncil.ie