Vol. 528 No. 1
342 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the assistance which can be given to a religious order in County Waterford to restore an historic building (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29348/00]
In general, my Department does not directly provide financial support for the restoration of buildings in private ownership. However, one source of public funds for such projects is the Heritage Council, which has powers to provide advice and assistance, including financial assistance, in relation to the protection, preservation and promotion of the physical heritage. It should be noted that, although my Department funds the Heritage Council, it is an independent statutory body established under the Heritage Act, 1995 and I have no function in relation to any decisions by it regarding the disbursal of grants.
In addition, the Deputy will be aware that my colleague, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, recently launched a grant scheme for the conservation of protected buildings, which is being administered by local authorities with funding in the order of £4 million per annum. All inquiries relating to this scheme should be directed to Waterford Corporation.
