Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2023
266. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of thatched buildings, both private and public, within the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49598/23]
View answerThatched buildings are currently recorded through a number of means, including the record of protected structures within each local authority and as part of county-level surveys undertaken by my Department through the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage.
My Department has been working to determine an accurate figure for the number of thatched buildings across the State, as no comprehensive central record of this has previously existed. A national thatch survey has been completed by my Department, and officials are reviewing and cross-checking the resulting data to ensure there is consistency and no duplication of records. This review will establish the number of thatched properties that appear to habitable and the number that are derelict or in ruins. A final result from this extensive exercise is expected to be available by the end of November.
