Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
730. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he will take to ensure that a protected structure of historical, social and architectural significance is not allowed to fall into further disrepair (details supplied); the role the OPW has to ensure this important building is maintained and preserved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19275/21]
View answerMy 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.
Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, gives primary responsibility however, to local authorities to identify and protect the architectural heritage by including particular structures on the Record of Protected Structures (RPS). Inclusion on the RPS 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.
As Minister, I can make recommendations to local authorities for buildings and structures to be included on the RPS. These recommendations arise from the surveys of my Department's National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH). I understand that the structure mentioned is on the RPS of the relevant local authority, along with other associated structures. I also understand that it is currently in the ownership of a financial institution.
My Department provides financial support for the protection of heritage buildings and historic structures through the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS), which are in the main, administered by local authorities. The BHIS has been allocated €3m this year, up 20% on 2020. Details of the projects to be funded were announced on 1 April and are available on my Department’s website. The HSF has also been allocated €3m, up over 75% on 2020. Applications under the HSF are currently being examined in my Department and I hope to make an announcement of the projects to be funded shortly. Details of the 2022 schemes will be made available later this year and an application in relation to the structure mentioned would be most welcome.
While I am supportive of efforts to identify suitable future uses to safeguard historic buildings, crucial to their future is the identification of a viable use or uses with sufficient income to ensure their survival. I understand, however, that the scale of investment needed for the structure mentioned would mean that the level of funding available under my Department's grant schemes may not, on its own, be sufficient.
The OPW has a role in relation to maintaining and managing national monuments and historic properties in state ownership, but has no role in relation to private properties.
