asked the Minister for Local Government the steps he is taking to ensure that activities existing as a result of Architectural Heritage Year are developed and encouraged in the future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Architectural Heritage Year.
12.
European Architectural Heritage Year, 1975 was essentially designed to awaken public interest in the conservation of the architectural heritage. I believe that the activities undertaken in connection with the year succeeded admirably in this. The various school and other competitions, seminars, student projects, exhibitions, lectures and so on were particularly successful in arousing the interest of the general public, and particularly of young people, in the conservation of the built environment. The two national projects—Holycross, County Tipperary and St. John's Square, Limerick—and the other projects undertaken by local authorities and voluntary groups will serve as lasting reminders of the potential for adaptation of old, historic buildings and for urban conservation and renewal. Publications on various aspects of the architectural heritage which became available during the year should also have a lasting effect.
To foster interest in the architectural heritage, I have sponsored a film "Places for People" which will be on general release throughout the country shortly. A 16mm version is available from the National Film Institute of Ireland for showing to schools, clubs and similar organisations. As part of a programme to develop further public interest, An Foras Forbartha are currently running a series of public lectures on the architectural heritage.
I am satisfied that the various promotional activities undertaken during 1975 will be reflected, not only in increased public interest in the architectural heritage, but also in the activities of public authorities and, in particular, in determining the objectives of local development plans and in the implementation of planning control.
Although I agree that the activities during Architectural Heritage Year awakened considerable interest, would the Minister agree it would be a pity to allow any of the initiatives to lapse?
It would be a great pity.
Does the Minister intend to have them continued in the future?
The question of ensuring that certain activities undertaken during the year will be continued is under consideration. Those concerned have been asked to try to arrange that a number of them, particularly the competitions, will be kept going.
Is there any truth in the rumour that the Minister for Foreign Affairs has been moved to Pembroke Street?
Pembroke Street is a big, long street. He might go to Fitzwilliam Street where he would see what my predecessor did.
The Minister referred to a couple of large projects undertaken during the year. Does he intend to continue that type of project?
No.
I accept it might not be possible to do it at the same level, but it would be helpful if certain projects were selected.
I hope local authorities will continue with the type of projects they carried out, but on a minor scale. I would hope they would continue these in addition to the competition programmes.