Vol. 462 No. 5
146 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for the Environment the funding, if any, available for the retention of listed premises in the Dublin area in 1996; the applications, if any, that have been granted; and the criteria used in deciding successful applicants. [5067/96]
The only specific funding from my Department for urban conservation measures is that which is available under the Operational Programme for Local Urban and Rural Development for the purpose of conserving and restoring significant landmark and heritage buildings in urban areas. The funding is made available to local authorities and conservation bodies such as civic trusts. Applications for grants in 1996 are being processed and will be submitted to the conservation advisory panel which has been set up to advise my Department in the matter.
In view of the limited funds available — approximately £900,000 in 1996 — this scheme can, of necessity, only assist in relation to a relatively small number of buildings of exceptional merit; it would not allow for assistance in respect of listed buildings generally.
