Vol. 504 No. 1
29 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the State body which can be of assistance to the local community in developing the restoration of the historic round tower in Passage East, County Waterford, in view of the fact that the Heritage Council has refused to assist in this regard. [8027/99]
The Deputy will be aware that the Heritage Council is a statutory autonomous body established under the Heritage Act, 1995. Under this Act, the Council has powers to provide advice and assistance, including financial assistance, in relation to the protection, preservation and promotion of the built heritage. I would point out, however, that, while I provide operational funding to the Heritage Council under my Department's vote, I have no function in relation to the council's decisions on the disbursement of funds.
The Deputy will also be aware that last year I and the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, announced a package of measures for the protection of the architectural heritage. Among these measures is the establishment of a new grant-aid scheme for approved conservation works to listed buildings, which will commence very soon. The new grants scheme will be administered by the local authorities. It will have funding of £4 million per annum and will be operated in accordance with national criteria and standards drawn up by an advisory group made up of our two Departments and the Heritage Council.
While my Department would have no direct function in addressing the case of the round tower in question, Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department, may be of assistance by providing some technical advice and guidance as to the type of works which would be appropriate. The local community should contact Dúchas in this regard as, in any event, this monument is protected under the National Monuments Acts and I would have to be consulted prior to any work of restoration being undertaken.
