Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 May 1997

Vol. 479 No. 2

Written Answers. - Architectural Heritage.

Ivor Callely

Question:

112 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the matters which have been taken into consideration for the package of specific financial proposals in relation to the protection of our architectural heritage for owners of listed buildings further to his reply to Question No. 107 of 8 April 1997 by Deputy Callely; if he has discussed this matter with any owners or representatives of owners of listed buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12510/97]

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

I understand that the interdepartmental working group on strengthening the protection of the architectural heritage in preparing its report, published in September, 1996, engaged in widespread consultations with every local authority and with interested organisations, including representatives of heritage property owners. In addition, following publication of the report, a wide range of observations were received and have been considered.

I with my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Deputy Howlin, are finalising a package of proposals based on the recommendations in the report and taking account of observations received on those recommendations.