Planning a future for traditional farm buildings in Westmeath

Westmeath has a rich and extensive farming heritage, best exemplified in the traditional farm buildings that dot the landscape of the county.

Such vernacular architecture has a beauty that many modern, functional buildings lack and that aesthetic has been recognised as something worth conserving.

Heritage officer with the local authority, Melanie McQuade, outlined the significance of preserving the long-standing built heritage: “Many of our traditional farm buildings are no longer suitable for modern farm practices, but they have a heritage value.

“The structures tell us much about life in the past from building traditions to farming practices.

“The history and lore relating to farm buildings is also significant,” Melanie said.

A new project organised by the Heritage Office aims to document a representative sample of traditional farm buildings in the county and explore practical and appropriate methods of repair and, where appropriate, look at suitable new uses for these structures.

The project is focusing on farmyards rather than farmhouses. Led by conservation consultant Áine Doyle, the project coordinators are inviting expressions of interest from owners of traditional farm buildings who would like to get involved.

Áine, who is originally from Westmeath, has worked on several projects supported by the Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme: “If you own a traditional farm building and would like to have it surveyed and discuss repair needs, grant opportunities or potential reuse for your building, please submit an expression of interest.”

Site surveys will commence in late May/early June. Participants will receive reports on their building(s) and advice on priority works and potential funding streams. In some instances, the vacant and derelict sites grant may present an opportunity to develop a new use for buildings.

“At the moment we have capacity to survey 10 traditional farmyards,” Ms McQuade told the Examiner.

“We are aiming for a geographic spread and, depending on the level of interest received, we may have to prioritise buildings that are not included on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, are in greater need of repair or are a rare example of a particular building style or type.”

Though in the early stages, there are ambitious plans for the project: “We look forward to meeting owners to discuss the history of their buildings and advise on grant assistance available to maintain their farm buildings for future generations,” Áine Doyle concluded.

The project is an action of the Westmeath Strategic Heritage Plan 2024-2030 and is funded by the Heritage Council with support from Westmeath County Council.

Expressions of interest should be lodged by Friday May 16 and should include the owner’s name, address (including nearest Eircode/ Grid reference) and a photo of the farm building.

Details are available by emailing heritage@westmeathcoco.ie or by post to The Heritage Office, Westmeath County Council, Áras an Chontae, Mullingar, County Westmeath, N91 FH4N or by calling 044 9332040.