asked the Minister for Local Government if, in respect of the European Architectural Heritage Year in 1975, he will state the number of applications for technical assistance in respect of restoration projects made by this country; and if he will give details as to the location of the proposed projects.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Architectural Heritage.
21.
No such application for technical assistance has yet been made by this country. The advisory service now offered by the Council of Europe is a new one and it applies only to "integrated" conservation projects, individual restoration projects being excluded from its scope. Projects being undertaken as part of the European Programme of Pilot Projects in connection with European Architectural Heritage Year, 1975, are specifically excluded from the technical assistance programme. The availability of the assistance mentioned by the Deputy is, of course, being borne in mind for such suitable projects as may arise.
22.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will consider extending his Department's contacts with the media with a view to the preservation of Ireland's heritage; and if he will arrange slide programmes, extra news releases, a newspaper feature service, television programmes, films, book publications, et cetera, in this field.
Proposals of this kind mentioned have been under consideration by the National Committee for European Architectural Heritage Year and the arrangements being made are expected to be announced at a Press conference on the 26th April.
23.
asked the Minister for Local Government the administrative and financial resources which will be available to protect Ireland's architectural heritage in the coming years.
Administrative and financial resources to protect our architectural heritage may be made available by Government, by local authorities, and by other bodies. I have no way in which I can predict what provision is likely in coming years.
24.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he has any plans to arrange co-operation between residents, private associations and public authorities in the context of the European Architectural Heritage Year.
I have no desire to impose arrangements for co-operation in any locality in connection with the year but I have written to local authorities encouraging them to provide assistance and support where it is desired to establish a local committee for the purposes of such co-operation.