Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2013
431. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in view of the additions to the protected structure list, his plans to open a grant scheme in order that owners of these facilities may be able to avail of some financial assistance when carrying out improvement works. [25330/13]
View answerPart IV of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2012 provides for the protection of architectural heritage. The Act gives primary responsibility to planning authorities to identify and protect the architectural heritage by including them on the Record of Protected Structures. Inclusion on the Record of Protected Structures places a duty of care on the owners and occupiers of protected structures and also gives planning authorities powers to deal with development proposals affecting them and to seek to safeguard their future.
A number of State financial supports provide for the conservation and restoration of heritage structures in general. I recently announced that 45 protected structures have been offered grant awards under the Structures at Risk Fund 2013, which is operated by my Department, to a total value of €475,000. The purpose of this Fund, which is administered by the local authorities, is to assist with urgent works to safeguard structures protected under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, and in certain cases, works to structures within Architectural Conservation Areas. This Fund is not intended to assist in the carrying out of routine maintenance, alterations or improvements, demolition, reconstruction or restoration. Given current budgetary constraints, I have no plans to expand this Fund at present.
It should be noted that certain conservation projects may be eligible for funding under the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme Ireland 2007-2013 which supports the conservation and upgrading of rural heritage.
