Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Oct 2000

Vol. 523 No. 5

Written Answers. - Special Areas of Conservation.

Tony Gregory

Question:

260 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will have considerations made into the State purchase of Fr. Matthew Hall, a listed building in Dublin 7, as a heritage centre in view of its historical value. [21753/00]

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

The primary way of protecting the architectural heritage is through the Planning Acts and in this regard the Fr. Matthew Hall has been designated as a protected structure by Dublin Corporation.

I must point out that the State already has a sizeable portfolio of over 700 national monuments and historic properties which are in the care of Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department. The resources required to conserve and manage such properties are already considerable and continue to increase. I regret to have to advise the Deputy, therefore, that I have no plans to acquire the Fr. Matthew Hall.