Vol. 509 No. 6
448 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the grants, if any, available from his Department, the local authority or any other bodies for the restoration of a house built at the start of the century; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21748/99]
As part of a package of measures to ensure the conservation of the architectural heritage a new conservation grants scheme was introduced with effect from 26 May 1999. A sum of £3.9 million has been allocated to the local authorities who are administering the scheme. The purpose of the scheme is to assist the owner or occupier of a protected structure to undertake necessary works to secure the conservation of the structure. Details of the scheme are available from the relevant local authority and further grants will be available next year. I am arranging for a copy of the Department's circular on details of the scheme to be forwarded to the Deputy.
