asked the Minister for Local Government if he will give to appropriate non-governmental organisations the opportunity to be consulted on questions of policy and planning affecting the protection of this country's architectural heritage together with financial support and encouragement.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Architectural Heritage.
3.
I am prepared to consider any representations which may be made to me by non-governmental organisations in so far as they relate to any functions which I may have in relation to the architectural heritage. However, since most of the organisations likely to be interested in such matters are represented on the National Committee for European Architectural Heritage Year I doubt if it is necessary that any special consultation arrangements should be made.
In any event, the matter is more directly related to the powers and functions of planning authorities. There are already adequate statutory arrangements to enable representations to be made and to ensure that such representations are considered by planning authorities when making or reviewing development plans.
As regards financial support, planning authorities may consider, under section 14 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, assisting bodies or persons in their areas concerned with the preservation or development of amenities, including buildings of architectural interest.
Is the Minister aware that regardless of what steps planning authorities may take it remains of vital importance in this field that the public be made aware of the value of our national heritage? Can the Minister say whether he proposes to take any other steps to generate the interest and support of all sections of the community in this matter?
This is a very long question, Deputy.
There are a number of supplementaries involved. Finally, can the Minister say whether he is prepared to enlist the assistance of RTE in this matter?
I am not sure what the Deputy has in mind. There has been more publicity given during the past few months to our architectural heritage than was ever given before. RTE played their part very well in this effort. While everything possible is being done, the new Planning Bill which will be before the House again this afternoon, will give additional powers to planning authorities to do even more in this field.
In view of the fact that local planning authorities are neither geared nor staffed for the adequate preparation of county development plans, can the Minister say whether he has any plans to assist them in this work, apart from merely having a review forwarded to them?
I do not think it is fair to say that they have not the facilities. In my view most planning authorities are doing quite well. There is not a big backlog at local level. The backlog has occurred at national level because over the years there was a substantial volume of appeals. When the new board takes over we will have to consider whether the facilities they have for posting appeals are adequate. If we find that they are not adequate alternative arrangements will have to be made.
Regardless of the new board or any other procedures for appeal purposes, is the Minister satisfied that the work at local level, with the staff available and the calibre of that staff, is adequate to meet the purpose in order to reduce the burden on the appeals system? This seems to have been the snag since the initiation of the Planning Act in 1963.
The staff at local level carry out their jobs according to their likes——
That is the trouble.
No matter who is in that position they will have their own opinion as to how things should be done and I am not going to criticise the local officials who deal with planning.