Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2009
361 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will meet a residents’ group in the South Dublin County Council area regarding their concerns for local protected structures in view of the recent fire in a house (details supplied). [40133/09]
View answer371 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will meet with a residents’ association (details supplied) to discuss their concerns regarding the failure of a local authority to enforce legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40377/09]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 361 and 371 together.
The conservation principles of care and protection of the architectural heritage are set out in Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000. Generally, under the Act, planning authorities have a clear obligation to create a record of protected structures. Under section 58 of the Act owners and occupiers of protected structures have a duty to protect such structures from endangerment. Sections 59-78 of the Act give planning authorities powers with regard to the protection of protected structures including powers to require works to be carried out in relation to endangerment of protected structures and to require restoration of the character of protected structures. Under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 I am generally precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case, including an enforcement matter, with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be concerned. In the circumstances I have no proposal to meet with residents' group regarding the particular case in question.
