Tourism

New Traditional Farm Buildings Grants for GLAS Farmers

andrew 2016, Agriculture, Employment, Housing, Tourism, Uncategorized, Wicklow - East Carlow

irelandFine Gael TD for Wicklow, Andrew Doyle, has welcomed the Department of Agriculture’s New Traditional Farm Buildings Grants for GLAS Farmers which will aid the conservation of traditional farm buildings on GLAS farms in Wicklow.

“The New Traditional Farm Buildings Grants scheme for Irish farmers that will ensure that small traditional farm buildings in Wicklow, which are of significant cultural and heritage value, can be restored and conserved for practical agricultural use.

“Grants will be made available to carry out approved conservation works on traditional farm buildings, including roofs, outside surface of walls, windows and doors. Grants will also be available for related structures such as historic yard surfaces, landscape features around the farm such as walls, gates and pillars.

“To be eligible for the scheme, buildings and other related structure must have architectural or vernacular heritage character and make a contribution to the setting.

“These grants will maintain the character of farms and will create employment in the building industry especially, for highly skilled traditional building tradespeople. This scheme will benefit farmers who may have missed out on the grants in the REPS 4 traditional farm building grants between 2007 and 2013.
“Grants awarded under this scheme will not exceed 75% of the cost of the works. The maximum grant is €25,000 and the minimum grant is €4,000. The first tranche of grants opens immediately and completed forms must be returned to the Heritage Council before 5pm on Friday 6th May 2016. More information can be found at www.heritagecouncil.ie.

Doyle stresses need for long term plan for Protection of the Murrough to Taoiseach and MEP Sean Kelly

Andrew Environment, Tourism, Uncategorized, Wicklow - East Carlow

Andrew and Taoiseach 090216 Andrews office campaignIn welcoming Taoiseach Enda Kenny to Wicklow town this week, Fine Gael General Election candidate Andrew Doyle, took the opportunity to highlight the need to secure a long term plan for the protection of the Murrough outlined the next steps towards achieving this goal.

Doyle had also recently invited Sean Kelly MEP to see first-hand the existing erosion as well as the damage that has been caused by recent severe weather.

Andrew with Sean Kelly MEP and group at Murrough Janury 2016Speaking at Doyle’s campaign launch last weekend, Sean Kelly MEP outlined that he had raised the issue of the Murrough at length with Commissioner Cretu, EU Commissioner for Regional Policy. The outcome being that a Government submission will have to be made and that local council needs to do an assessment and make an application under the Regional Development Structural Funding programme.

“I am aware that Wicklow Co Council has been working closely on this issue together with the relevant campaign groups and there is a genuine acknowledgement of the requirement for further funding to enable a long term plan to sustain, maintain and protect the Murrough.

“I am in contact with the local authority and am aware that they are working on the relevant assessment and making the necessary application for funding. I am raising this with the Minister of the Environment to ensure the Government submission is made to EU Commissioner Cretu without delay.

“The Murrough is a vital resource and amenity for the people of Wicklow town and its significance resonates with walkers, sports enthusiasts, anglers, swimmers and tourists alike. I will continue to liaise appraise with Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Sean Kelly MEP in raising the issue of securing a long term commitment for protecting the Murrough,” added Doyle.