Thatching Grant

A grant of up to €3,810 or two thirds of the approved cost (whichever lesser) may be payable towards necessary works to renew or repair the thatched roofs of houses. 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).

Grant approval is subject to the following conditions:

• your house must be 10 or more years old
• your house must be structurally sound
• on completion of the approved works the house must be used your normal place of residence. Houses occupied on a part-time basis (e.g. holiday homes) are not eligible
• work must not commence until the house has been inspected by an inspector of the Department of the Housing, Local Government and Heritage
• the work must be carried out in accordance with good thatching practice, be satisfactorily completed and any other repairs to the house, considered necessary by the Department must be carried out
• the approved cost of the work is greater than €952
• applicants must provide their income tax numbers and confirm their tax affairs are in order

Structural Requirements

The work carried out must also meet the below requirements:

• the work should be undertaken by an experienced tradesman, skilled in the use of thatching materials
• suitable straw or reeds should be used
• all bad and rotted thatch should be stripped off and all deep holes should be repaired and levelled
• where the roof is being completely renewed, the new thatch should have a minimum thickness of 350mm and be laid on a firm and sound base
• ridges, eaves, verges, etc., should be carried out to high standards to prevent water leaking
• where thatch touches a chimney, suitable flashing material should be provided
• the thatched roof should be protected against attacks by birds or vermin

Refusal of a Grant

Your grant may be refused if:

• a grant for the renewal or repair of the thatch was paid under this scheme or Roinn na Gaeltachta scheme, unless a period of 7 years has elapsed since payment of the previous grant
• the house did not previously have a thatched roof

Where to Apply

Read the supporting information included in the Explanatory Memorandum HA2T document below and then fill out the below application form.

Send your fully completed application forms to:

When to Apply

Applications must be made in good time to ensure that an inspection can be carried out before work commences. Applicants are advised not to start immediately after inspection but to wait until you get a decision on your eligibility and on the amount of the grant to which you are entitled. Should work commence before an inspection is carried out, a grant will not be allowed.

In order to avoid delays, please ensure that all questions on the application form are fully answered. Application forms not fully completed may be returned to applicants.

A Certificate of Approval will issue following the first inspection if the proposed work qualifies for a grant. When the work is completed, the Certificate of Approval should be returned to the Department signed by the applicant and the thatcher who carried out the work.

Following the receipt of the signed Certificate of Approval an inspection will be carried out after which the grant will be paid, provided all the work approved and any other necessary repairs have been satisfactorily completed.

The payment of a grant involves no warranty on the part of the Minister as to the works carried out or the structural soundness of the house.