Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 4 Oct 2000

Vol. 523 No. 2

Written Answers. - Architectural Heritage.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

110 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the plans she has to consult with the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources or any other Departments with a view to ensuring the future protection of houses, buildings or other structures of architectural or cultural importance currently in State, semi-State or company ownership with the view to safeguarding such items for future generations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20729/00]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

As the Minister with responsibility for the protection of the architectural heritage, I am very aware of the need to ensure that the architectural heritage which is in the ownership of public authorities receives ample protection. It is for this reason that I established the task group on policy for the conservation of historic buildings in public authority ownership which reported to the interdepartmental working group on advancing the Government's policy objectives on architecture. This working group includes representatives of the Department of the Environment and Local Government, the Department of Education and Science, the Department of Health and Children, the Office of Public Works, the Heritage Council, and the Arts Council, as well as my own Department. I expect that the report of the working group will be submitted formally to me in the coming weeks.

My Department is also preparing the national heritage plan, the first comprehensive strategy encompassing all aspects of our national heritage. This process involved wide consultation, including the involvement of all Departments. The plan will include proposals for the protection of our architectural heritage. I hope to bring the draft national heritage plan to Government before the end of the year

Question No. 111 taken with Question No. 98.