Donegal County Council Launches Innovative Rope Thatch Mentorship Scheme

Donegal County Council has announced the initiation of its first Rope Thatch Mentorship Scheme, aimed at preserving the traditional craft of rope thatching in Ireland. The scheme’s inaugural participant, David McFerran, will train under the guidance of master rope thatcher Brian Lafferty for a period of six months.

Significance of the Scheme

This mentorship program represents a pioneering effort in Ireland to sustain the skill of rope thatching, which is increasingly at risk of being overshadowed by modern construction methods. Joe Gallagher, Heritage Officer for Donegal County, expressed concerns that traditional rope thatching is being replaced by less authentic styles, including synthetic thatch. He emphasized the importance of preserving this unique aspect of Donegal’s cultural heritage.

Rope thatching, particularly prevalent in the west and north of County Donegal, employs a distinctive technique where thatch is secured using ropes and pegs. Gallagher noted that attention to detail is vital in the craftsmanship around key structural areas, such as chimneys and eaves.

The selection for this mentorship was open to individuals who completed initial rope thatch training courses at the newly established Donegal Thatching School in Kilclooney. Candidates were evaluated based on their prior training, motivation for applying, and commitment to a career in thatching.

Addressing Skill Deficits

The Rope Thatch Mentorship Scheme was developed with support from various organizations, including Creative Ireland, the National Built Heritage Service, and the Heritage Council. The primary goal is to provide a viable pathway for individuals aspiring to develop expertise in thatching, especially as demand for skilled thatchers has become evident through the council’s Thatch Repair Grant Scheme, which has been operational for the past seven years.

Gallagher noted the alarming statistic that 27% of Donegal’s historic thatched properties have been lost in the last 15 years, with an additional 10% in poor condition. He highlighted that some homeowners opt to replace traditional thatch with slate, which can further diminish the region’s architectural heritage. The council reminds homeowners that any replacement of historic thatched roofs requires permission, as it constitutes a significant alteration to the structure.

Looking ahead, Gallagher is hopeful that the mentorship scheme, in conjunction with educational initiatives from the Donegal Thatching School and a new training course offered by Kilkenny Carlow ETB and the Heritage Council, will foster a new generation of thatchers, thereby safeguarding this traditional craft for future generations.

For those interested in pursuing a career in rope thatching or collaborating with the council on historic thatch repairs, Collette Beattie, Conservation Officer, and Joe Gallagher invite inquiries via phone or email.

The launch of the Rope Thatch Mentorship Scheme marks a significant step in preserving an important aspect of Donegal’s cultural history and ensuring that the skills associated with this traditional craft are not lost to future generations.