Niall Collins (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 409: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will clarify the position regarding a grant that is approved for a new thatch on a roof of a protected structure to a person who died prior to the works commencing and the grant being drawn down, if the new owner of the property can avail of this grant approval and draw down the funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22759/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The local authority conservation grants scheme provides grant assistance for the conservation of protected structures i.e. those buildings which are listed in the Record of Protected Structures contained in each local authority development plan. This scheme is administered by the local authorities on behalf of the Department and specific queries on the scheme should be addressed directly to the relevant local authority. It would appear, however, that the new owner of the property could avail of the approved grant once certain conditions are met.

A scheme of thatching grants is also administered by my Department. This scheme offers support for necessary works to renew or repair the thatch of existing thatched houses that are structurally sound, are 10 or more years old and will be used on completion of the approved works as a normal place of residence. This grant is non-transferable and a new owner would need to re-apply for grant funding in his or her own right. The heritage management grants scheme administered by the Heritage Council, with funding from my Department, includes works to ensure the survival of a heritage building or structure. Information in relation to the scheme is available from the Heritage Council.