Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Oct 1998

Vol. 495 No. 4

Written Answers. - Heritage Conservation.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

264 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if it is the policy of his Department to foster, encourage and facilitate the work of the local authorities in relation to the listing of outstanding buildings, other artefacts and ruins, items of street furniture and trees; if he has satisfied himself that this work is being undertaken consistently around the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20002/98]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

As announced on 13 May 1998 the Government has agreed a comprehensive package of measures which will improve the protection given to the built heritage. As part of the package I will shortly publish a planning Bill which will introduce comprehensive legislative protection for buildings and structures which are of architectural interest. The Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, in consultation with my Department, will prepare guidelines for planning authorities to assist them in performing their functions under the proposed Act. The guidelines will promote consistency of application of the new legislation amongst all planning authorities.

With regard to trees, my Department issued guidelines for planning authorities concerning the use of tree preservation orders in March 1994 which reminded planning authorities of the important role they play in preserving trees of amenity value in their area. In the current review of planning legislation I will examine the existing provisions in the planning code regarding tree preservation orders in order to update and simplify the procedures used to make tree preservation orders.