asked the Minister for the Environment if he will make a statement outlining his response to repeated requests from Dublin Corporation and presumably other local authorities with regard to strengthening the powers available to such local authorities enabling them to insist on the repair and maintenance of listed buildings.
Written Answers. - Listed Buildings.
30.
Powers available in the Planning and Housing Acts facilitate the preservation of listed buildings. Under the Planning Acts a planning authority may include, as an objective in its development plan, the preservation of buildings or internal fixtures or features of artistic, architectural or historic interest. The effect of such listing is to bring under planning control any alteration or demolition of the building or interior which otherwise might be exempt. The Planning Acts also empower planning authorities to make grants and other assistance available for the preservation of buildings of architectural or historic interest. I might add that the urban renewal incentives available in the designated areas under the urban renewal scheme apply to the reconstruction and refurbishment of existing buildings in those areas as well as to new construction.
The Housing Acts enable housing authorities to secure the repair of unfit houses where this can be done at reasonable expense. These powers could be exercised in the case of houses which are listed buildings. While I have no proposals at present to strengthen the Housing or Planning Act powers to which I have referred, I am preparing legislative proposals which will considerably strengthen the existing derelict sites legislation.