Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2004
523 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether cafés (details supplied) represent an integral part of the built heritage of Dublin; the measures he will take to ensure that they are kept open; the further measures he will take to ensure that the buildings are maintained in the present form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31055/04]
View answerThe statutory protection of architectural heritage is primarily a matter for the planning authorities, which are advised by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the exercise of their functions in that regard, in line with the Planning and Development Act 2000. The importance of the architectural heritage of the buildings in which the cafés referred to in the Deputy's question operate is reflected in their inclusion on Dublin City Council's record of protected structures. Under the 2000 Act, planning permission is required for any works that would materially affect the character of the structures or any element of the structures that contributes to their special interest.
