'When it is gone, it will be gone forever': Crisis facing Ireland’s thatched homes

Insurance difficulties are forcing owners of Ireland’s thatched homes to consider other options

There has been a drop from 55,000 thatched properties to less than 2,300 due to a lack of accessible or affordable insurance. File picture

The number of thatched properties in Ireland has fallen by 95% in 70 years, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Public Petitions and the Ombudsmen was told.

A delegation from the 400-member Thatch Insurance Group blamed the drop from 55,000 properties to less than 2,300 on a lack of accessible or affordable insurance.