pureeire

I agree, wexfordplanner. It appears that Irish heritage is suffering partly because of society’s dependence on the car, which is a worrying reflection of priorities. I hope that solutions can be found so that as many derelict buildings as possible can be put to use in imaginative ways without compromising the heritage value of the properties.

I don’t know of any classification system for derelict buildings, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t one. The only thing I could think of which would have an ‘official’ classification is the Derelict Sites Act 1990 (section 3, definition of a derelict site), which gives three alternative criteria, one of which states that a site is derelict if there are any structures on it which are in a “ruinous, derelict or dangerous condition”, but this is still subjective. In the absence of anything else a simple definition of derelict buildings could define buildings which are not occupied or maintained as derelict, but of course this is also difficult to determine conclusively and/or consistently. I suppose a classification system, classifying buildings according to how derelict they are, would be even more arbitrary, unless very clearly defined.

I’ve just bought a newly-published book on Irish cottages, which may interest you if you don’t already know of it: The Disappearing Irish Cottage, by Clive Symmons and Seamus Harkin, see: Wordwell Books

I hope my ramblings are helpful – I’d be really interested in reading your thesis when it’s finished. pure eire

@wexfordplanner wrote:

… I think the grants which you refer to are mainly for Georgian Housing and Protected Structures, it is doubtful that any rural derelict houses would qualify under these schemes??

Yes, there are those limitations, unfortunately, but there are many listed (supposedly protected) structures which are derelict and would qualify for grants. It’s sad that listing them fails to prompt any action to preserve them. South Tipperary CoCo (and others, I presume) intend to carry out a survey of all the thatched and formerly thatched structures in the county (only ~50 left, apparently) and all of them will be listed (as outlined in the Heritage Plan).

The survey was due for completion in 2004, but it has been delayed. South Tip CoCo now has no Heritage Officer (or Conservation Officer), so the Council is apparently appointing consultants to do the survey. I am extremely skeptical about whether or not listing the thatched structures that remain will help encourage their preservation, as this does not appear to have made a difference in the past, despite very high potential fines (€12,000 per day) for owners who fail to protect a listed structure from decay.

I agree that something needs to be done, because it’s such a waste of Ireland’s heritage/vernacular architecture that these dwellings are not in use. Their sympathetic restoration could provide sustainable housing for local people which would enhance the landscape, rather than scar it. This is why it is my mission to do all that I can to ensure the protection and restoration of such buildings. pure eire

@wexfordplanner wrote:

Thanks for all the helpful replies.

I was wondering what people would think of a possible re-working of the Part 5 Social / Affordable Housing. As this currently really only applies to urban projects / zoned land, could a new section be added to local authorities Housing Strategy about restoring derelict dwellings. Instead of giving 20% or a financial contribution, is it posible to give developers another option, to restore derelict rural dwellings instead. This would not only contribute to the housing supply in rural areas, but would also clear eyesores, protect our built heritage and would enable developers to make a true contribution to the housing supply in this country? A booklet could be produced for each LA with details of derelict dwellings such as owners, things to be protected, projected costs etc….., to make the process a bit easier.

What do people think? Would this work?

I have been researching grants for restoring derelict Irish dwellings in connection with a long-term project of my own. They are out there, but you have to look quite hard, and there is a distinct lack of co-ordinated approach, which is undoubtedly contributing to the high number of derelict dwellings around. I am not sure if it is still available, but one of the less positive initiatives I have seen during my research is the offer of a €10,000 tax incentive from the government towards construction of a new dwelling (in place of an existing one – why not just repair what’s there?), to encourage people to stay in rural areas.

On a more positive note, the Irish Georgian Society has a summary of some of the grants available, see: http://www.irish-architecture.com/igs/conservation_advice/funding_period_house.html

Your suggestion for re-working Part 5 sounds like a good idea – it certainly ought to be the case – an additional benefit would be a reduction in the number of new-builds. However, I would prefer to see the restorations undertaken by people with appropriate skills and knowledge (ie in traditional methods and materials), rather than letting your average developer loose on a diminisihing and fragile resource.

My own idea is to restore derelict dwellings (using traditional materials/techniques, and sustainable technologies) and rent them out as affordable housing. (Seems like the perfect partner for the Part 5 idea :D) The multiple benefits (ie provision of affordable housing, protection of Irish heritage, bringing buildings back into use, rural regeneration, implementation of sustainable technology, use of sustainably-produced materials, etc) make the project an attractive option for grant-funding on several counts and from various sources. The main problems I am experiencing with getting this off the ground are: a) currently being located in UK, so it is difficult to do the research and make personal contact with the relevant people]http://www.pureeire.org[/color]