Vol. 450 No. 7
45 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if his attention has been drawn to the threat being posed to a house (details supplied) in County Dublin; if he will intervene prior to the public auction on Wednesday, 22 March 1995 to ensure that this early 18 century landmark is saved; and the assistance, if any, he can offer for its restoration. [5747/95]
I am aware of the present condition of "Bremore", Balbriggan, County Dublin, following a fire last year which caused major damage to it and destroyed its thatched roof. I understand that this building is regarded as being the longest thatched house in Ireland and that it is listed for preservation in Dublin County Council's Development Plan. I feel that the best way of ensuring its future as part of our living heritage would be through its acquisition by a sympathetic private purchaser. I have, therefore, no plans to intervene in this case prior to the public auction on 22 March 1995.
Regarding restoration of the building, the National Heritage Council, which comes under the aegis of my Department, has at its disposal national lottery funds which it can, subject to my approval, allocate to architectural restoration projects, including thatch. The council is independent in its assessment of grant applications and in its grant recommendations to me. If the present or any future owner of the building wishes to be considered for grant assistance for restoration of the building he should contact the Secretary, National Heritage Council, Dún Aimhirgin, 43-49 Mespil Road, Dublin 4.
In addition, the Department of the Environment provides grants of £2,000, or two-thirds of the costs, whichever is the lesser, for the renewing or repairing of the thatched roofs of houses used as normal places of residence. Further information and application forms may be obtained from the Department of the Environment, Housing Grants Section, Government Offices, Ballina, County Mayo.
