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Architectural Heritage

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 November 2019

Wednesday, 6 November 2019

Questions (234)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

234. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which reinstatement or preservation works are proposed or are in hand in respect of buildings of cultural or historical significance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45787/19]

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Written answers

My role with regard to the protection and management of our architectural heritage is set out in the provisions of relevant legislation, as are the roles of local authorities and the responsibilities of owners.

In this instance I understand that the Deputy is asking primarily about supports provided by my Department for buildings of historical significance. My Department provides financial support for the protection of heritage buildings and historic structures through the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF), administered by the local authorities. This year, my Department awarded €2.5 million to 408 projects under the BHIS and €1.824 million to 70 projects under the HSF.

I will shortly be announcing details of the Historic Structures Fund 2020 and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2020.

Details of these schemes, including the amounts being allocated to each local authority are published on my Department’s website and on local authority websites.

In 2019, my Department has provided €350,000 of funding to the OPW to assist in the conservation and presentation of historic buildings and national monuments in State ownership. My Department’s National Monuments Service works in close collaboration with the OPW on survey, excavation and research work to optimise the protection, management, interpretation and presentation of national monuments in State care.

The Heritage Council, which my Department funds, also provides grants for the protection and preservation of the built heritage. It is primarily a matter for the Heritage Council to decide how its funding should be allocated across the range of research, education and conservation programmes it supports annually, having regard to competing priorities for limited resources. Grant schemes are advertised by the Heritage Council on its website, www.heritagecouncil.ie.

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