Written Answers Nos 31-37
32. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the efforts he has made to promote other parts of the island during Derry’s term as city of culture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4506/13]
View answerAt the outset I would like to take this opportunity to wish the City of Derry well for the year ahead. Indeed, I was honoured to be present in Derry, in the company of Carál Ní Chuilín, MLA, Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, at the Sons and Daughters concert on Sunday 20 January. Directly and through the arts and culture agencies under its aegis, my Department continues to support the designation. For instance, we are supporting the extension of the Other Voices event in Derry in 2013 and we also support Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann who will be holding Fleadh Ceol na hÉireann in Derry this year. Furthermore, I'm looking forward to Limerick's term as the City of Culture in 2014, and I know that the organising partnership there will learn much from the Derry experience.
37. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the grants available to renovate thatched cottages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4501/13]
View answerA number of State financial supports provide for the conservation and restoration of heritage structures in general, or are specifically aimed at thatched structures. In 2012, my Department provided €500,000 in grant-aid assistance through a Structures at Risk Fund administered by local authorities to assist with works to safeguard structures protected under the Planning and Development Acts. This funding assisted in the conservation of two thatched structures.
The Heritage Council, which is funded by my Department, grant-aided the restoration of twenty-three thatched structures under their Heritage Management Scheme in 2012. In addition, the Heritage Council, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, also administers a grants scheme to REPS 4 participants on the conservation and repair of traditional farm buildings, known as the Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme. Grants are available under this scheme to carry out approved conservation works to the exterior of farm outbuildings, including roofs.
I am advised that the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government also administers a grant scheme for the renewal or repair of thatched roofs of owner occupied houses. The level of funding available in 2013 and future years for these schemes will be subject to the normal Budgetary and Estimates processes but, a s the Deputy can appreciate, the scope for funding for the conservation of the built heritage is constrained by the significant reduction in the public finances. As part of an Architectural Advice Series, my Department plans to publish an advice book on thatching in 2013, which will include further practical advice and guidance on aspects of conserving and restoring thatched structures. This will be available on my Department’s website at www.ahg.gov.ie .
