Michael Ring
Ceist:702 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if a wall will be built around a church and castle in the possession of the State at Cross East, Cross, Claremorris, County Mayo. [17691/99]
Written Answers. - National Monuments.
The Office of Public Works no longer has responsibility for the care, protection and upkeep of monuments. That is now part of the work of Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department.
The church and castle site at Cross East, Cross, Claremorris, County Mayo, are recorded monuments offering them protection under the National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1994. The monuments are not in State care and, therefore, Dúchas would not normally expend moneys on their upkeep.
However, the Deputy will be aware that the Heritage Council has powers to provide advice and assistance, including financial assistance, in relation to the protection, preservation and promotion of the built heritage. I would point out, however, that, while I provide operational funding to the Heritage Council under my Department's Vote, I have no function in relation to the council's decisions on the disbursement of funds.
The Deputy will also be aware that last year I and the Minister for the Environment and Local government, announced a package of measures for the protection of the architectural heritage. Among these measures is the establishment of a new grant-aid scheme for approved conservation works to listed buildings, which will commence in January next. The new grants scheme will be administered by the local authorities. It will have funding of £4 million per annum and will be operated in accordance with national criteria and standards drawn up by an advisory group made up of our two Departments and the Heritage Council.