Vol. 489 No. 3
198 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the grant aid, if any, available from his Department for individuals who wish to restore and refurbish very old buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8060/98]
A scheme of grant assistance is in place for the conservation and restoration of urban architecture under the Conservation Measure of the Urban and Village Renewal Sub-Programme of the Operational Programme for Local Urban and Rural Development 1994 to 1999. Under the terms of this EU funded scheme, grant assistance can be made available to civic trusts, conservation groups and local authorities in respect of the conservation and restoration of such property. Any grant assistance provided must be matched by expenditure by the recipient body on the project on a pound for pound basis. Property which is in private use does not qualify for funding under the terms of this scheme.
The Heritage Council also has a grant scheme for heritage projects. The 1998 scheme, for which applications were recently invited, is directed at smaller projects, which benefit the local community and which will make a contribution to the protection and enhancement of the national heritage. Further information can be obtained from the council.
Arising out of the commitments in the Government's programme, An Action Programme for the Millennium, and the report of the interdepartmental working group, the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands and I will be bringing a comprehensive package of financial, administrative and legislative proposals to Government shortly to address the protection of the architectural heritage. Details of the proposals will be announced when the Government has made its decision on them.
