Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 105: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there is funding available for restoration and associated works on thatched cottages. [14057/11]

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Under my Department's renewal or repair of thatched roof grant scheme, a grant 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 houses. A higher grant of up to €5,714 may be payable where the house is situated on certain specified islands off the West and South coasts. In the case of medical card holders, a grant of up to €6,350, or up to 80% of the approved cost, may be payable in respect of houses situated on the mainland, rising to €8,252 where the house is situated on a specified off-shore island.

Eligibility under the grant scheme is contingent on the house being occupied as a normal place of residence on completion of the approved works.

The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has provided funding under the Local Authority Conservation Grant Scheme for the conservation of structures protected under the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2010, which was administered by the local authorities. The Department has also administered a Civic Structures Conservation Grants Scheme for the conservation of structures in civic or public ownership. Due to the significant reduction in the budgetary allocation to the built heritage within the vote of that Department, the operation of both grant schemes has been suspended. However, the Department concerned is providing limited funds in 2011 to assist with works to safeguard structures protected under the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2010 through a Structures at Risk Fund. Details on the operation of this fund were issued to each local authority in March 2011. Assessment of applications received by the closing date for this fund was recently undertaken by that Department and the relevant local authorities will be notified of the outcome shortly.

My Department is aware that the Heritage Council, which is funded by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, administer a number of conservation grants schemes including the Heritage Management Scheme. Conservation works to thatched structures may be eligible under this scheme. I understand that the closing dates for applications for 2011 have now passed.