Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Oct 2001

Vol. 541 No. 5

Written Answers. - Architectural Heritage.

Austin Currie

Question:

242 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will consider the possibility of acquiring Lucan Weir and Turbine House as a museum or heritage centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23331/01]

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

My role in relation to the architectural heritage is to provide advice to the planning authorities in the exercise of their functions.

Government policy in relation to the protection of our architectural heritage is to place the main responsibility for it in the hands of the planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála. My Department's role in relation to the protection of the architectural heritage is, primarily, an advisory one.

The Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1999, came into effect on 1 January 2000. The new Act marks a major advance in the way we aim to preserve our built heritage. Most importantly, it aims to bring a more systematic and uniform approach to the issue. My Department co-operates with and assists local authorities to ensure that the objectives of the Act are met.

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 considerable, and any funding for the built heritage, under the national development plan, will be mainly directed at conserving such properties.

I have are no plans to undertake an acquisitions programme save in exceptional circumstances and my aim is to ensure that the architectural heritage is protected through the Planning Acts.