Vol. 525 No. 5
154 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the number of heritage officers employed by local authorities; the areas where they are employed; the plans she has to increase the number of these officers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25622/00]
This scheme is a worthwhile initiative which should heighten the awareness of our heritage and help in the conservation effort.
The aim of the scheme is to have heritage officers appointed to all local authorities. The appointees would be dedicated to the conservation and promotion of heritage. The Heritage Council will provide funding to cover half of the cost of the appointments over three years and I understand that ten heritage officers have been appointed to date. The appointments were made in the following local authorities: Kerry County Council; Leitrim County Council; Galway County Council; Clare County Council; Wicklow County Council; Sligo County Council; Tipperary North Riding County Council; Laois County Council-Offaly County Council, joint appointment; Galway Corporation and Dublin Corporation.
Recruitment is under way in respect of Carlow County Council, Limerick County Council and Longford County Council-Westmeath County Council, joint appointment.
