Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 October 2012
189. Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the action farmers are supposed to take regarding dilapidated thatched houses which are constantly deteriorating in condition and are health and safety issues as many of them are in the middle of commercial farm yards. [45345/12]
View answer190. Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the areas that owners of potentially viable dwelling houses that need thatching should take in this economic climate in view of the fact that the grants when they are available will only cover a tiny portion of the cost of thatching; if he will recommend a way of maintaining the integrity of such houses, as galvanising such houses is not an realistic option; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45346/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 190 together.
Part IV of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2012 provides for the protection of architectural heritage. The Act gives primary responsibility to planning authorities to identify and protect the architectural heritage, including thatched buildings, by including them on the Record of Protected Structures. Inclusion on the Record of Protected Structures places a duty of care on the owners and occupiers of protected structures and also gives planning authorities powers to deal with development proposals affecting them and to seek to safeguard their future. In the first instance, therefore, the owner of a thatched property should refer to the relevant local authority to ascertain if the property is included in the Record of Protected Structures.
My Department, with the assistance of an Expert Advisory Committee representing key stakeholders, is currently concluding a review of the operation of Part IV of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2012. The review will consider the need, in the light of current economic circumstances, for alternative ways of supporting the conservation of protected structures.
While the overall number of thatched roofs declined in the second half of the 20th century, increased legislative protection for the architectural heritage and heightened awareness of this part of our national heritage has meant that this decline has stabilised.
There are a number of State financial supports currently available to owners/occupiers of thatched structures. In 2012 my Department is providing €500,000 in grant-aid assistance through a Structures at Risk Fund administered by local authorities to assist with works to safeguard structures protected under the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2012 and, in certain cases, works to structures within Architectural Conservation Areas. I have approved offers of funding for the conservation of two thatched structures in 2012 under this scheme, which is administered by the local authorities. The closing date for applications for 2012 has now passed.
The Heritage Council, which is funded by my Department, also administers a Heritage Management Grant Scheme under which applications for the conservation of thatched structures are considered. However, I understand that the closing date for applications for this scheme for 2012 has also passed.
In partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Heritage Council also administers a grants scheme to REPS 4 participants on the conservation and repair of traditional farm buildings called the Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme, which is now open for applications. Grants are available under this scheme to carry out approved conservation works to the exterior of farm outbuildings, including roofs.
I further understand that the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government administers a grant scheme for the renewal or repair of thatched roofs of owner-occupied houses.
The level of funding available in 2013 and future years for these schemes will be subject to the normal Budgetary and Estimates processes. As the Deputy can appreciate, the scope for additional funding for the conservation of the built heritage is constrained by the significant reduction in the public finances.
Finally, as part of an Architectural Advice Series, my Department plans to publish an advice book on thatching in 2013, which will include further practical advice and guidance on aspects of conserving and restoring thatched structures. The nine previously published booklets in the series cover areas such as roof and energy efficiency for traditionally built buildings and the full series is accessible on my Department’s website at www.ahg.gov.ie.
