Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Nov 1998

Vol. 497 No. 3

Written Answers - Architectural Heritage.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

165 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will award a grant, either directly or through agencies for which she is responsible, towards the restoration of St. Mary's Church of Ireland, Maynooth, County Kildare, to commemorate its 750th anniversary; if her attention has been drawn to the restoration works carried out; if her attention has been further drawn to the unsuccessful applications for funding to the National Heritage Council in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25144/98]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera):

My Department does not have discretionary funding available to it which could be allocated to such a project. The main source of public funds for private heritage projects is the An Chomhairle Oidhreachta/the Heritage Council which is a statutory autonomous body established under the Heritage Act, 1995. Under the Act, the council has the powers to provide advice and assistance, including financial assistance, in relation to the protection preservation and promotion of built heritage. It should be noted that although my Department provides funding to the Heritage Council, it has no function in relation to decisions by the council on the disbursal of grants.