I propose to take Questions Nos. 592 and 593 together.
There are two schemes within my Department that provide dedicated financial support to owners of thatched structures, one of which is open to applications for commercial buildings.
Firstly, a dedicated Thatching Grant is available for thatched buildings in use as housing. Applicants can avail of up to €3,810 or two thirds of the approved cost (whichever is less) towards necessary roof repair or renewal. A higher grant (up to €5,714) may be payable for houses on specified islands. For owners of qualifying thatch properties who are also Medical Card holders the maximum grant available is €6,350, or up to 80% of the approved cost (€8,252 for Islands). Commercial buildings are not eligible for application under this scheme.
However, further support is available for historic thatched buildings through the National Built Heritage Service (NBHS), principally under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS). This scheme is administered by the local authorities and funded by my Department, and is open to owners of both domestic and commercial buildings. Since 2023, it has included a dedicated funding stream for historic thatched buildings offering grants of up to €20,000 for thatching or other conservation work. Owners of historic thatched buildings may also apply for funding from the main stream of the BHIS. Subject to funding, it is intended to re-open this scheme for applications later this year.
