Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
690. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will reconsider awarding a built heritage investment grant to a person (details supplied); and if there is an appeal avenue for this grant scheme. [15019/24]
View answerMy role as Minister of State with responsibility for Heritage in regard to the protection and management of our architectural heritage is set out in the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), as are the roles of local authorities.
My Department provides financial support for the protection of eligible heritage buildings and historic structures through two grant schemes which are, in the main, administered by the local authorities. These are the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS).
Applications for the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) are made directly to the Local Authority. There are additional documents to aid the application process such as the checklist and guidance documents for applicants. All applications are assessed by an expert panel within the Local Authority. Applications are considered based on the Significance of the Structure, Efficacy of Works and the Quality of Works Proposed. As it is the role of the Local Authority to assess and propose the projects to the Department, any queries regarding the outcome of the assessment process for specific projects should be directed to the Local Authority.
