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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Nov 1998

Vol. 497 No. 3

Written Answers - Architectural Heritage.

Austin Deasy

Question:

157 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will provide finance for the restoration of Lismore Castle, Lismore, County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23748/98]

My Department has no funds available to cover the preservation of properties other than those where I, as Minister, am the owner or guardian. As I am neither the owner nor guardian of Lismore Castle, I am not in a position to fund its restoration.

The main source of public funding for heritage related projects is the Heritage Council, based in Kilkenny, which has powers to provide advice and assistance, including limited financial assistance, in relation to the protection and preservation of the built heritage. Section 482 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997, provides relief from income tax or corporation tax to the owner/occupier of an approved building/garden in respect of repair, maintenance or restoration.

The Deputy may also be aware of plans for a new system of protection and grant-aid for buildings and structures of interest which I have advanced in conjunction with my colleague, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government. Funding for grant-aid towards the cost of repair and maintenance of such buildings and structures is due to come on stream from next year.

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