Inventory of Thatched Structures in Co. Mayo. Project Brief

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Madlyn Bernadette McDaniel
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1 Inventory of Thatched Structures in Co. Mayo Project Brief July 2007

2 1. Introduction Mayo has a rich architectural heritage, of which thatched structures is an important component. To date, there has been no comprehensive survey of thatch structures in the county. Currently there are only six thatched structures on the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) for Mayo. The Report on the Present and Future Protection of Thatched Structures in Ireland recommended that a systematic comprehensive survey of thatched structures in Ireland should be undertaken. It also recommended that all buildings where historic thatch survives should be placed on the relevant RPS. It is an objective of the County Mayo Development Plan to conserve, protect and enhance in general the special character of the county as defined by its built environment. It is an action of the County Mayo Heritage Plan to carry out an inventory of thatched structures in the county. A survey of historic thatch structures in the county will establish a baseline for subsequent analysis and policy formation. 2. Aim The aim of this project is to compile an inventory of thatched structures in County Mayo. The purpose of the project is to collect the information necessary to inform an analysis of the issues surrounding the future of thatch and thatched structures in Mayo. The emphasis of the survey work is to inventorise the structures on the ground and to carry out a survey of historic thatch, under-layers and roof structures and note all the historic features. Assistance will be given to the consultants by the County Mayo Heritage Forum, local area offices, the Heritage Officer and other key staff in identifying the structures to be surveyed prior to undertaking fieldwork. The consultants will also add structures as they become known and located. The emphasis will be on historic thatch, but new thatch should be noted by location and photographs. 3. Methodology The consultant will provide a project design in response to this brief, setting out how the study will be approached, method of working, and any matters not covered by the brief. The project design should include: How the consultants will respond to the brief, including method statement and breakdown of elements to be surveyed and detailed timetable. Names and CVs of proposed team members, including relevant experience A resource plan showing the breakdown of person hours between professions and stages A detailed breakdown of the estimated cost of preparing the study. Previous experience of the firms and personnel proposed including the project leader Extent of professional indemnity cover. 4. Physical Survey The consultant/s report should provide the following information: 4.1 The number of thatched structures in Mayo 4.2 A sketch plan of each building showing site layout, plan, section and elevation of the thatched structure and a description of construction materials used 4.3 The survey should include the following information: Roof Structure - Description of the configuration of the roof and roof structure and fixings

3 4.3.2 Thatch Substructure - Is there a layer of sod under the thatch? - If not, is there a layer of other material under the thatch? Roof Covering - Existing roof material - Is the roof fully thatched? - If not, what other material is used? - What type of thatching material was originally used? - What was the style and local name of thatching? - What is the present condition of the thatch? - When was the thatch previously replaced? - Was it replaced in the original material? - Describe any decorative features on the thatch. - Who was the thatcher? Structure - Age of the structure - Number of storeys - Number of rooms - Description of windows and doors in the structure and material used - Are they the original windows/doors? - If not, when were the originals replaced? - What is the current condition/retention of character/original features externally of the house? - What is the current condition/retention of character/original features internally of the house? - What materials were used in the construction of the walls? - Is there a ceiling present? Identify common problems -elements of microclimate, vermin, type and quality of materials, thatching method, protective treatments and maintenance. 4.4 Occupancy status owner-occupied, rented, uninhabited, seasonally occupied or derelict 4.5 The curtilage or associated buildings/features i.e. gate posts, pumps, outhouses 4.6 Is the structure recorded on the RPS 4.7 Photographs (in print and digital format) of building and all structures to include: Context photo Elevational photos of front and rear Gable elevation photos Photos of details of house features where possible, ridge, verge, eaves, chimneys Framework Fixings Further to the completion of the inventory, a publication may be considered. Therefore, the consultant should ask owners for their permission to use photos in this publication when surveying and record response. All of the data should be compatible with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DOEHLG) National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) inventory material. The NIAH inventory for County Mayo has not been completed. The consultants will be expected to develop a recording form based on the NIAH current inventory forms.

4 5. Social issues 5.1 Family unit profile. 5.2 Owner s idea of future use of house. 5.3 Their view on thatch do they plan to keep it or replace it. 5.4 Awareness of grants, County Council, Dept. of Environment, Heritage Council. 5.5 Views on extensions/limits of thatched properties. 5.6 Other issues of particular relevance to Mayo as may emerge through interviews 6. Appraisal/Historical background 6.1 Consult the County Library for historical photos/background (limited and focused search). 6.2 Recommendations to be made on the architectural rating (NIAH) of the structures for proposed inclusion in the RPS for Co. Mayo, detailing exactly what is important and what must be retained. 6.3 Identify and record information relating to local variations of style within the county, local terms for thatch, thatching implements, materials, methods, styles and finishes, and suggest dates for the oldest layers of thatch 6.4 Identify suppliers of locally grown thatching materials 6.5 A list of Mayo thatchers should be compiled 6.6 Identify best conservation practice guidelines It will be a requirement of the study that time is spent sourcing and talking to the owners of the properties and the consultant must show a capability to be sensitive and approachable. 7. Defining the issues and assessing vulnerability The data collected should be analysed and the key issues that emerge should be assessed and analysed in a local and national context. 8. Mapping The inventory must include a 6-digit grid reference, the address, which must include the townland and any other details, which will provide an exact address and location. Sites to be marked on 25 map. 9. Other considerations The consultants should take cognisance of other related initiatives, which are currently being undertaken in the county or country and any national government initiatives, which would have a bearing on the inventory. 10. Budget and tax clearance certificate The budget for this project is set at 15,000 (including VAT and all expenses). A current tax clearance certificate will be required. 11. Project Management and Monitoring The project is a joint initiative between Mayo County Council, The Heritage Council and the County Mayo Heritage Forum. The project will be managed by a Steering Group comprised of representatives from Mayo County Council and the County Mayo Heritage Forum. The day to day contact will be with Deirdre Cunningham, Heritage Officer, Mayo County Council. The Steering Group will meet regularly to review the project and members of the Steering Group will meet with the consultants to agree the work programme.

5 The consultants will be required to liaise with GIS section of Mayo County Council to ensure compatibility with systems used by the Council. 12. Timescale This project must be completed within 4 months of the start date in August Please detail the phasing costs of the plan, the reporting arrangements and payment schedule. 13. General Issues 13.1 Ownership and Copyright Mayo County Council, The Heritage Council and National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government will retain all rights of ownership and copyright. However, the research team will have access to the data contained within the report for purposes other than use for commercial gain Freedom of Information Mayo County Council operates under the Freedom of Information Act 1997 and all information held by the Council (including proposals submitted in response to this brief) may be subject to requests under the Act. 14. Format and Number of Copies The report must be produced in a digital format. Five bound copies of the final report in A4 format and one unbound copy capable of being photocopied will be submitted to Mayo County Council. Two presentations of the report will be required at the end of the project. 15. Communication To ensure equality between applications, there will be no correspondence or discussion with the applicants or their agents during the preparation period for submissions. Due cognisance of any clarification which might have been required will be taken, provided this is notified in the submission by the applicant. 16. Insurance Evidence of professional indemnity and public liability cover will be required 17. Evaluation of Proposals As the price is fixed, evaluation of proposals will be based on the ability of the consultant to deliver the skills and outputs detailed above. Mayo County Council reserves the right to shortlist candidates and interviews may be held with selected candidates prior to the final evaluation. 18. Submissions The closing date for receipt of proposals is 4pm on Wednesday 25th July All proposals should be clearly marked Inventory of Thatched Structures and sent (hard copy only, faxed or ed proposals cannot be accepted) to Mr John Condon, County Secretary, Mayo County Council, Aras an Chontae, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. Two copies of all relevant documentation should be submitted. Proposals cannot be accepted after this deadline.

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