The Deputy will be aware that Ireland ratified the Granada Convention in January 1997. Since assuming office I have taken significant steps to enhance the protection of the architectural heritage in accordance with the principles and objectives of the convention. The Deputy will also be aware of the package of legislative, administrative and financial proposals agreed by Government and announced by me and my colleague, Deputy Dempsey, Minister for the Environment and Local Government, in May 1998. The legislative measures include a new Local Government (Planning and Development) Bill, going through the Oireachtas, which will provide comprehensive protection of buildings and structures of architectural heritage importance, and a Bill to place the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, which is being carried out by Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department, on a statutory basis. I am steering this Bill through the Oireachtas. The package introduces a grant-aid scheme of almost £4 million per annum for the carrying out of preservation/ conservation works, and includes provisions for conservation expertise.
These initiatives serve to strengthen our core commitments under the Granada Convention in relation to the maintenance of inventories, statutory protection, the provision of financial support of conservation works and the promotion of training in conservation skills.