Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 September 2021
167. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he will visit Knocklofty House, Clonmel to view the state of disrepair of the structure; and if progress has been made in identifying a way to address the damage that is occurring to this heritage-rich structure. [46418/21]
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 to local authorities to identify and protect the architectural heritage by including particular structures on the Record of Protected Structures (RPS). 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).
Its inclusion on Tipperary County Council's RPS places a duty of care on the owners and occupiers of Knocklofty House and also gives the Council powers to deal with development proposals affecting it and to seek to safeguard its future. I understand that the legal ownership of the property is being questioned currently. As such, it may not be appropriate for me to visit the building unless at the invitation of its owners.
On 12 May last, I met with local people, along with public representatives ,to discuss their concerns about Knocklofty House and I stressed that crucial to the future of this structure is the identification of a viable use or uses with sufficient income to ensure its survival. I outlined the financial supports for owners of heritage structures available under the Historic Structures Fund and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme. My Department provides financial support for the protection of heritage structures through the these schemes and I have awarded combined funding, this year, of €6m to 562 projects right across the country.
Details of the 2022 schemes will be made available later this year and, while I understand that the scale of investment needed for the structure mentioned may mean that the level of grant funding available under these schemes would not, on its own, be sufficient, it may provide some support to safeguard it from falling into further disrepair. My Department would welcome a grant application in respect of same.
I fully understand and appreciate the value of our built heritage, including at a local level, and I have asked officials in my Department to remain in contact with Tipperary County Council on this matter.
