Call to save 'rotting' listed thatched cottage

An Taisce has expressed concern about the deteriorating state of one of the finest thatched cottages in the State, the 250-year-old Casino in Malahide, Co Dublin.

The organisation has called on Fingal County Council to intervene to save the historic building, which has received planning permission for redevelopment as a restaurant.

Local residents who contacted The Irish Times say the thatch is rotting and has fallen in in several places. If this is allowed to continue, the building could be irreversibly damaged, they believe.

However, the council says it has been in regular touch with architects working for the developers and does not believe the building is threatened.

Agreement has been reached for a thatcher to carry out remedial work later this month, with a full renewal of the thatch scheduled for next year, according to the council's conservation officer, Ms Fionnuala May.

This was confirmed yesterday by the owner, Mr Gerry Gannon, who said he was going "full steam ahead" with plans to convert the house into a restaurant.

The Casino, which lies at the main entrance to the town centre of Malahide, is a listed building which has been described as "probably the most photographed building in the country".

Long occupied by the Kirker family, the house and its extensive grounds were sold to Gannon Homes four years ago. Permission for almost 130 mostly apartments on the land was granted last year.

Last September An Bord Pleanála approved on appeal Gannon Homes' plan to convert the house into a licensed restaurant.

As part of this plan, the thatched cottage with its distinctive circular hall is to be maintained as an entrance area, while a modern building will be constructed behind the house.

Ms May said extensive discussions had taken place as the plans were drawn up and she was happy the developers realised their responsibilities.

One of the problems was that the fire authorities originally wanted to have the original thatch removed so that an insulation layer could be installed for safety reasons. However, a way round this problem had been found.

The Casino dates from the late 17th century and was extended in 1837. Originally a shooting lodge for the Talbot family, it was taken over by the Kirker family in the 1920s. When it was rethatched in 1976, rye had to be specially grown for the thatching.