Under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 1994, Fingal County Council is required to consult my Department in respect of any pro posed alterations to this protected structure. Should the Council request any technical assistance in respect of any proposed works, I will be happy to make my officials available.
In general, my Department does not directly provide financial support for the restoration of such buildings. However, one source of public funds for such projects is the Heritage Council, which has powers to provide advice and assistance, including financial assistance, in relation to the protection, preservation and promotion of the physical heritage. It should be noted that, although my Department funds the heritage council, it is an independent statutory body established under the Heritage Act, 1995, and I have no function in relation to any decisions by it regarding the disbursal of grants.
In addition, the Deputy will be aware that I recently launched the ACCESS programme which provides grant assistance for the development of cultural infrastructure, under which the council may qualify for funding, depending on the future use of the building.
