Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 July 2020
119. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans for the development and-or enhancement of heritage sites nationally with a view to maximisation of their potential for tourism and educational purposes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17682/20]
View answer124. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the full extent of the programme for the preservation, protection and restoration of historical or heritage sites nationally with a view to maximising their use for education and tourism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17687/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 124 together.
My role with regard to the protection and management of our archaeological and architectural heritage is set out in the provisions of relevant legislation, as are the roles of local authorities and the responsibilities of owners.
As Minister, I am the owner or guardian under the National Monuments Acts of approximately 1,000 national monuments located at approximately 750 sites. The Acts allow me to make a preservation order where I consider a national monument to be at risk.
Responsibility for management and maintenance of historical buildings and sites in State ownership, and management of the visitor facilities, rests with the Office of Public Works (OPW) which also maintains a significant ongoing programme of conservation works. This year, my Department has allocated €350,000 to the OPW for the maintenance of historic buildings and sites. Significant works undertaken in previous years have included projects such as Brú na Bóinne and Emo Court.
My Department provides financial support for the protection of heritage buildings and historic structures through two grant schemes which are, in the main, administered by the local authorities. These are the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF). This year 450 heritage projects across every county in the country will benefit from a combined sum of over €4.3m under these schemes.
The Heritage Council, which my Department funds, has a significant role in relation to education, including through the Heritage in Schools Scheme, Adopt a Monument Scheme and National Heritage Week, all of which have been operating successfully for a number of years.
The Irish Heritage Trust, which is supported by my Department, has responsibility for operating properties at Fota, Strokestown Park and the National Famine Museum and Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum and Gardens.
