Thatch is expensive to maintain and there are fewer thatchers every year. The State runs a grant for exactly this, it has been running quietly for decades, and a great many owners of thatched houses have never heard of it.
The rule that costs people the money is at the bottom of this page, so here it is at the top: do not let anyone on the roof until the Department has inspected it.
Quick facts
- Standard grant
- Up to €3,810, or two thirds of the approved cost
- Specified islands
- Up to €5,714
- Medical card holder
- Up to €6,350, or 80% of cost (€8,252 on islands)
- House age
- 10 or more years old
- Minimum job
- Approved cost greater than €952
- Before you start
- The house must be inspected first
How much you get
The standard grant is "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." Two thirds, or €3,810 — whichever is the smaller number.
Two things raise it. "A higher grant (up to €5,714) may be payable for houses on specified Islands."
And the one worth checking your wallet for: "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)." A medical card lifts both the cap and the percentage — from two thirds to 80%.
What the house has to be
The conditions are about the house rather than your income, apart from the medical card uplift.
"your house must be 10 or more years old" and "your house must be structurally sound".
It has to be where you live. "Houses occupied on a part-time basis (e.g. holiday homes) are not eligible" — so a thatched cottage kept for summers does not qualify.
There is a floor on the job as well: "the approved cost of the work is greater than €952". Small patch repairs fall below it.
You also have to give your income tax number and confirm your tax affairs are in order.
The inspection rule that voids the grant
This is the whole ball game. "work must not commence until the house has been inspected by an inspector of the Department of the Housing, Local Government and Heritage".
And in case that leaves room for doubt: "Should work commence before an inspection is carried out, a grant will not be allowed."
The Department goes further and advises you not to start straight after the inspection either — wait for the decision on your eligibility and on the amount. A thatcher with a free week is not a reason to begin.
When it is refused
Two clear refusals are named. The first is a repeat claim: "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". Seven years between grants.
The second is a house being thatched for the first time: "the house did not previously have a thatched roof". This is a grant for keeping thatch, not for putting it on.
The work itself has standards too — an experienced tradesman, suitable straw or reeds, and "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".
Common questions
How much is the Thatching Grant in Ireland?
Up to €3,810, or two thirds of the approved cost, whichever is less. On specified islands it is up to €5,714. For a medical card holder it rises to €6,350, or up to 80% of the approved cost, and €8,252 on the islands.
Can I get the grant for a holiday home?
No. The house must be your normal place of residence on completion of the works. gov.ie states that houses occupied on a part-time basis, such as holiday homes, are not eligible.
Can I start the work before I hear back?
No, and this is what costs people the grant. Work must not commence until the house has been inspected by a Department inspector, and gov.ie says plainly that if work starts before an inspection, a grant will not be allowed.
How often can I claim it?
Not within seven years of a previous payment. A grant may be refused where one was already paid under this scheme or the Roinn na Gaeltachta scheme unless seven years have elapsed.
Does a medical card really make a difference?
Yes, and it is substantial. It lifts the maximum from €3,810 to €6,350, and the share of the cost covered from two thirds to up to 80%.
Can I thatch a house that never had thatch?
No. The grant may be refused if the house did not previously have a thatched roof. It exists to maintain existing thatch.