Thatched cottages in peril

Sir, – As the restorer of a 200-year-old thatched cottage, I greatly fear Ireland will lose many thatched cottages.

Following Brexit, it is nigh impossible to find an insurer. I was told there was one who declined as they were not taking on new business.

A call to the Heritage Council resulted in a plea to let them know if an insurer was found!

A bank will not issue a mortgage without insurance, and so the brave souls who choose to restore and live in these beautiful cottages will have to resort to tin roofs.

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It is a blow to beauty, and the ancient craft of the thatcher. – Yours, etc,

CLAIRE ROCHE,

Ballinafad,

Co Sligo.