Pádraig MacLochlainn
Question:37. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the grants available to renovate thatched cottages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4501/13]
View answerWednesday, 30 January 2013
Questions (37)
Written answers
A number of State financial supports provide for the conservation and restoration of heritage structures in general, or are specifically aimed at thatched structures. In 2012, my Department provided €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. This funding assisted in the conservation of two thatched structures.
The Heritage Council, which is funded by my Department, grant-aided the restoration of twenty-three thatched structures under their Heritage Management Scheme in 2012. In addition, the Heritage Council, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, also administers a grants scheme to REPS 4 participants on the conservation and repair of traditional farm buildings, known as the Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme. Grants are available under this scheme to carry out approved conservation works to the exterior of farm outbuildings, including roofs.
I am advised that the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government also 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 but, a s the Deputy can appreciate, the scope for funding for the conservation of the built heritage is constrained by the significant reduction in the public finances. 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. This will be available on my Department’s website at www.ahg.gov.ie .