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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 3

Written Answers. - Architectural Heritage.

Ivan Yates

Question:

392 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the proposals she has to establish a national heritage audit including the preservation of significant buildings of historical and architectural value. [24903/00]

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

Under the provisions of the Architectural Heritage (National Inventory) and Historic Monuments (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1999, a nation-wide survey is currently being carried out by my Department to help identify structures and buildings which are of architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest. The Government is committed to completing all interim county surveys within the next two years and the complete national inventory within a period of twelve years.

In addition, under the provisions of the Local Government (Planning & Development) Act, 1999, each planning authority must, for the purpose of protecting structures, or parts of structures, which are of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest, include in its development plan a record of protected structures within its functional area. Under section 4 of the Act, I may recommend to a planning authority that specific structures be included in its record of protected structures. To date, I have recommended that 791 buildings be included in the record of protected structures of a number of planning authorities.

This legislation places a duty of care on the owners of protected structures and also gives planning authorities enhanced powers, not only to deal with development proposals affecting them, but also to safeguard their future. This is the proper framework for the protection of our architectural heritage.
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