Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
452. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider increasing the current rate of grant for thatching a cottage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34937/23]
View answerMy Department’s grant scheme for the renewal or repair of a thatched roof, provides funding of up to €6,350 or up to 80% of the approved cost, whichever is the lesser, in respect of necessary works to renew or repair the thatched roofs of private houses situated on the mainland where the private owner holds a medical card. A higher level of assistance of up to €8,252 is available for houses on specified offshore islands, where the owner holds a medical card. In the case of private owners without a medical card, funding of up to €3,810 or two thirds of the approved cost, whichever is the lesser, may be payable in respect of necessary works to renew or repair the thatched roofs of private houses situated on the mainland, rising to €5,714 where the house is situated on a specified off-shore island.
My Department also oversees a number of schemes to assist in the conservation of protected structures, which may include repairs to historic roofing. These schemes are the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and the Historic Structures Fund, under which a combined total of €9 million is available for 2023. This year, for the first time, a dedicated €500,000 has been ring-fenced under the BHIS for conservation repairs to historic thatched structures. This aims to maximise the availability of financial assistance to owners of such properties, helping them offset other costs. These schemes are administered through the local authorities and details are available at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/32ae3-financial-assistance-for-architectural-heritage/
My Department has begun the process of consolidating the funding streams for the repair and renewal of thatched roofing, with this work expected to be completed in 2024. Separately, Minister Noonan, launched A Living Tradition, the new vernacular architectural heritage strategy, in December 2021. Action 6 of the strategy sets out to ‘enhance the protection and conservation of historic thatched roofs’. Under Action 6, my Department will examine all issues relevant to thatched buildings, including thatching standards, fire prevention guidance, and the availability of suitable thatching materials, and any other relevant matters. My Department established a specific steering group, the Built Vernacular Heritage (Thatch) Steering Group, to oversee and assist with the implementation of this particular part of the strategy.
