Frances Fitzgerald
Question:125 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the grant schemes available for those who wish to restore listed buildings. [5066/96]
Written Answers. - Listed Buildings.
There are no grant schemes administered directly by my Department for those wishing to restore listed buildings.
The Heritage Council, which is a statutory, autonomous body under the Heritage Act, 1995, has powers to provide advice and assistance, including financial assistance, to persons and bodies in relation to the protection, preservation and promotion of the physical heritage, which includes listed buildings.
The Deputy will be aware that I and my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Deputy Howlin, established in February 1995 an inter-departmental working group, made up of officials of our Departments and of the Office of Public Works, to examine and make recommendations on strengthening the protection for listed buildings. The terms of reference of the working group include making recommendations for the introduction of incentives for the proper upkeep and maintenance of listed buildings. I look forward to receiving the group's report, which, I am informed, should be completed within the next few months, and I assure the Deputy that, in consultation with the Minister for the Environment, I will give careful consideration to the report and to the introduction of any necessary new policy initiatives in this area.