The picturesque thatched cottages across Donegal are under serious threat due to a lack of insurance, Donegal County Council has been told.
Cottage owners went dealt another blow this year when insurance providers OBF stopped taking new business since Brexit. The lack of insurance and astronomical prices are now making it impossible for homeowners to maintain the tradition.
Cllr Barry Sweeny said that insurance was “the last straw” for many.
The Fine Gael is seeking the creation of a government-formed National Insurance Policy for Thatched Structures to protect the national heritage.
Cllr Sweeny said that Donegal County Council has been at the forefront of tackling some of the challenges faced by thatched cottage owners though the thatch repair grant scheme. However, Cllr Sweeny said that homeowners remain in a precarious position. Risks and costs and extreme weather are affecting homeowners who could get competitive insurance quotes “within minutes” across the border, Cllr Sweeny said.
Cllr Sweeny said that more must be done to protect the iconic structures that were once photographed to promote Donegal.
His motion was passed at the July plenary council meeting. The Council will now write to the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage calling for a National Insurance Policy.
The motion was supported by Cathaoirleach Liam Blaney, who was born and reared in a thatched cottage that still stands today.
