Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Jun 1996

Vol. 466 No. 7

Written Answers. - Listed Building Protection.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

27 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht when he expects to receive the architectural report of the interdepartmental working group on improving the protection of listed buildings; and if he will publish the group's conclusions when they are available. [9187/96]

James Leonard

Question:

51 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the plans, if any, he has to grant aid the reconstruction of listed dwellings. [7974/96]

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins)

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 27 and 51 together.

As has been indicated on several occasions in this House, the Minister for the Environment and I established, in February 1995, an interdepartmental working group made up of officials of our Departments and of the Office of Public Works to examine and report back with recommendations in improving the protection for listed buildings, including placing the system of listed buildings on a statutory basis, introducing incentives for the proper upkeep and maintenance of such buildings and undertaking a full national architectural audit, pursuant to commitments in the policy agreement for Government of December 1994 entitled A Government of Renewal.

I am informed that the working group has now completed its work and that it expects to submit its report to the Minister for the Environment and myself within the next two weeks.

The working group has not been asked to prepare a report for publication but to report the recommendations of the officials for my consideration and that of the Minister for the Environment. When we have considered the recommendations and consulted where necessary with other Government Ministers a programme for implementation, which may include amending legislation, will be prepared and published.