Vol. 528 No. 1
273 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the assistance which can be given to a religious order in County Waterford to restore an historic building (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29349/00]
My Department makes grants available for the conservation of protected buildings under two schemes. The National Development Plan, 2000-2006, provides for the continuation of the urban and village renewal scheme. The regional operational programmes will include a sub-measure under which assistance will be provided for the conservation of the architectural heritage. Grants will be paid by my Department under this sub-measure for the conservation of buildings for community use which are of significant architectural or heritage value.
The scheme complements a separate grants scheme for privately owned protected structures which was introduced in 1999 and which is being implemented by the local authorities.
