Can’t thatch this!

Councillors warn that costs of insuring thatched properties is threatening the existence of such premises

Reports that the small number of thatched building owners are being quoted exorbitant prices to insure their properties risks the disappearance of a a once famous landmark on the Irish landscape.

Despite grants available, tightening regulations, coupled with just one insurer left in the market, means many owners are reconsidering how to roof their property in future.

There are, Fianna Fáil's John Paul Feeley told the October monthly meeting of Cavan County Council, less than a dozen thatched homes left in Cavan.

He was speaking on foot of a motion put forward calling on the council to write to the Minister for Heritage, Malcolm Noonan, to request that he engage with the insurance industry to reduce the costs for thatched dwellings.

Furthermore, he asked that the government improve grant aid for re-thatching roofs and amend other conditions to the grant support.

Cllr Feeley said he had spoken with two thatched property owners who told him how the costs they now face “have gone through the roof”.

It is also “simply impossible to get insurance”, he further claimed.Cllr Feeley told the meeting of one scenario where a person built an extension to their house, and due to heritage laws, had to get the added part thatched too. “When they called their insurance they were told it had to be considered as a new build. They were almost too delighted in trying to tell them they couldn't be insured."

Brexit, Cllr Feeley blamed, for the reduction in insurance offerings available.

While the grant covered up to €5,000, the cost of re-thatching was often several times that figure and, living in such a dwelling, “is not always that practicable”.

Independent Ireland's Shane P O'Reilly supported the motion, saying the same problem faced people living in properties with a “galvanised” roof.He too lamented the contraction in the market, saying that insurance for even the Mullagh Fair Day was “astronomical”.

The bouncy castle industry is experiencing similar problems now with most customers having to sign “disclaimers”.Independent Brendan Fay said the loss of thatch properties on the landscape would be a terrible development.He said they are a symbol of Ireland and a landmark of the country's offer of a “hundred thousand welcomes”.

There was backing too from Fianna Fáil's Patricia Walsh and Cathaoirleach T.P. O'Reilly. He grumbled that insurance companies seem to give people “every sort of excuse” not to provider cover.

“You can't even get a bouncy castle at sport's day any more.”