Denis Naughten
Question:146 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his plans to introduce new measures to protect listed buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16024/02]
Written Answers. - Architectural Heritage.
The Local Government (Planning and Development) Act 1999 now incorporated into Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000 substantially strengthened the protection afforded to the built heritage by the planning process. The key provisions involved an obligation on planning authorities to keep a record of protected structures; planning authorities are provided with a range of powers to secure the future of a protected structure; and clear responsibilities are placed on the owners and occupiers of protected structures to ensure that they are conserved.
I have no plans to modify the recently enacted and greatly strengthened measures for the protection of our architectural heritage. The main focus must now be on ensuring the full implementation of Part IV of the 2000 Act.