Minister for Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht at the launch of ‘Thatch – a guide to the repair of thatched roofs’ and ‘Paving – the conservation of historic ground surfaces’
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am really pleased to be here this evening to officially launch these two new publications:
Thatch – a guide to the repair of thatched roofs; and
Paving – the conservation of historic ground surfaces
These booklets are the latest in the Advice Series by the Architectural Heritage Advisory Unit of my Department, extending the Series to eleven publications in all.
I know that I am speaking to an informed audience here today, but for those unaware of the publications objectives, the primary purpose of this Advice Series is to help owners and occupiers of historic buildings:
– by clarifying the type of repair works which are considered in line with best conservation practice;
– by giving them the knowledge they need to have to make decisions on the care of their buildings
– and by giving them the language they need to use to ask the right type of questions of their architects or builders.
The Series sets out the Department’s standards of best practice in the conservation of architectural heritage.
The guides are also intended for use by architects, engineers and other building professionals as well as builders and craft-workers, including thatchers.
Each of the themes of these two new publications is important in itself but what historic thatch and paving unfortunately share is a vulnerability to loss.
THATCH
Today, there are fewer than 3,000 thatched buildings in the country.
What was once the dominant form of roof covering found throughout Ireland and an almost-iconic symbol of the country, is now a very rare and fragile part of our built heritage.
The majority of thatched buildings now surviving are in rural areas and are generally single-storey farmhouses sometimes with small, associated outbuildings.
This publication has been compiled as a general guide for owners and custodians of thatched buildings and for their advisors.
While it does not offer comprehensive technical advice, it is hoped that thatchers will find it useful in preparing and carrying out projects and in explaining their methods of work to building owners.
It is also hoped that this guide will be of interest to general readers, including local historians, teachers and those involved in promoting the understanding of the conservation of this important aspect of the built heritage.
The maintenance of a thatched roof can be more challenging and costly than that of slate or tiled roofs; however, the conservation of thatch is important for many reasons.
The use of these traditional materials and detailing greatly increase the appeal of a thatched building, and the rural landscape in general.
I am aware that thatch, by its very nature, presents particular conservation issues.
So I have asked my Department to explore what actions are necessary to ensure the continued survival of this important aspect of our vernacular heritage.
PAVING
The purpose of the second publication – on paving –is to advise the custodians of historic paving, whether private owners, institutions or local authorities, on how to conserve and care for such surfaces.
The guide also provides an interesting overview of the history of paving in Ireland.
Historic paving can be as significant in shaping the character of a street or square as the structures which enclose it.
Old paving complements the architectural quality of historic buildings and lend historical context to their setting.
In urban areas, historic ground surfaces have the power to shape the character of a town or city.
Well maintained and properly conserved street surfaces do not merely add to the visual beauty of a town, but are an expression of a community society that cares about its heritage.
They can foster civic pride amongst residents and attract admiration from visitors.
HERITAGE FUNDING
In recognition of the additional responsibilities placed on owners of protected structures, my Department supports owners by funding the protection of the built heritage in Ireland.
In early February I announced funding of €624,000 for the protection and repair of historic buildings under the Structures at Risk Fund 2015.
The thatching of roofs is eligible for funding under this scheme.
This scheme helps to secure the preservation of protected structures which might otherwise be lost.
Since 2011, over 100 structures have been safeguarded for the future as a result of the SRF scheme.
By continuing the scheme this year, it will allow individuals and local authorities to take positive action to protect historic buildings and structures in their area.
Our built heritage is an incredibly important asset in terms of tourism and a great source pride and enjoyment for local communities.
Last year, my Department also launched a fund of €5 million – the Built Heritage Jobs Leverage Scheme – for the repair and conservation of protected structures.
The Scheme encouraged the investment of private capital of an additional €10 million, with more than 540 projects benefitting.
The aim of the projects was to repair and conserve historic structures while supporting the employment of skilled and experienced conservation professionals, craft workers and tradespeople.
By continuing to support best practice in the conservation of protected structures, we can preserve our built heritage for future generations and boost our attractiveness as a tourist destination, while also contributing to local employment.
I would like to finish by thanking the authors of the publications being launched today….
I also thank all who assisted in reviewing, contributing and commenting on these publications while they were in preparation.
And finally, my thanks to you all for taking the time to join us here on this occasion and to assure you of my continued support.
Go raibh maith agaibh.
