I am fully aware of the challenges owners of thatched buildings have had in securing insurance cover at an affordable premium. I view the recently published report as an important step toward addressing this issue.
While the report itself focusses principally on the management of fire risk in thatched buildings, my Department has consulted widely with the insurance sector both in Ireland and abroad. The key concern raised by underwriters, brokers, and their representatives is the high cost of covering Irish thatched buildings, which stems from the high incidence of fire in these properties.
It should be noted that due to EU market rules the state cannot subsidise insurance cover. However, the experience of the UK is that, through careful management, the incidence of fire can be brought to a level where commercial underwriters will provide cover at a premium that is affordable to owners. Many of the measures identified in the report are relatively straightforward, such as avoiding the use of solid-fuel stoves and keeping chimneys in good working order. My Department will be exploring any viable initiative that can help prevent fires in thatched buildings and reduce the threat to this distinctive aspect of our national heritage.
As an immediate next step, the Department of Finance will convene in March a roundtable meeting of underwriters and brokers to discuss in more detail the findings of the report and practical options to reduce fire risk, and by extension insurance premiums, in Irish thatched buildings.
In relation to grant assistance, my department already has a number of measures in operation to assist owners of thatched buildings. A dedicated thatch repair grant is available which provides funding of approximately €500,000 each year; last year I ringfenced a further €500,000 for conservation works to historic thatched structures as part of the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS). Many thatched properties are also eligible for funding under the main stream of the BHIS and the Historic Structures Fund.
