Bid to find a tenant for Harty’s Cottage building

COUNCILLOR Paul Bell says he is engaged in discussions to find a permanent tenant for Harty’s Cottage on Crushrod Avenue in Drogheda in a move that will ensure it is preserved for all future generations to come.

Harty’s Cottage has underdone restoration work in recent times and while work on it was completed on time, the Labour councillor says that work on the Thatch Cottage on the Donore Road is taking longer.

It had been hoped that all restoration work would be finished in time for this year’s Fleadh Cheoil but while that deadline could not be met, Bell is happy with the progress to date.

“The Thatch on the Donore Road had some very serious structural issues with its roof which required the replacement of wooden beams and supports so as to allow thatching to commence,” Bell said.

“I can confirm that out local Master Thatcher is undertaking the project that the thatch roof will be fully restored before the end of September 2018, well in time for Drogheda Fleadh 2019.

“This has been a project which I have been thrilled to lead,” he added. Grants for the work were secured under the Endangered Buildings Programme by Louth County Council and undertaken with assistance from the property owners.