Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
738. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the forthcoming State architecture policy; the reason for its delay; and if he will consult the Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage before the final policy is published. [40768/21]
View answerThe National Policy on Architecture is at an advanced stage of development. Following analysis of the public consultation submissions, a comprehensive consultation report was prepared during 2020 and early 2021 with the cooperation of the Government Policy on Architecture Advisory Group, which is composed of representatives of my Department along with the Department of Education and Skills; the Office of Public Works; the Health Service Executive; the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland; the schools of architecture, the City and County Architects Association, the Arts Council, the Heritage Council and the Irish Architecture Foundation.
Although there has been a delay from dates previously advised to the deputy, the fast-evolving policy environment at national and European levels last year and this year (arising from Covid-19, the Green Deal and New European Bauhaus) is addressed in the consultation report and will be integral to the implementation programme.
The consultation report, a memo and several appendices were circulated this month (July) to government departments. Responses are now being collated and will inform the final policy report and implementation plan and programme.
I look forward to engaging with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage at the earliest opportunity.
